Which Main Event Would You Pick for UFC's Debut on Fox?

[EmpireWF]

The UFC moves to Fox in 2012 and they will reportedly have up to 4 live (we assume prime time) network TV specials. This won't be UFC on Versus with Dan Hardy or Pat Barry in the main events. Hell, this won't even be UFC on Spike with Mark Munoz in the main event. They will need to make a big splash to get good ratings and make a great first impression.

The problem then comes from how much do you sacrifice PPV business for TV ratings? We assume the UFC won't make money off ratings/advertisers so do you risk a $2 million+ PPV main event for TV?

Add in the fact that guys like Brock, GSP, Silva get cuts of PPV money and already have large price tags so it may not even be possible to use them on TV.

I listed a group of potential fights that could be made around next March or April. Don't just pick a fight you want to see for free, assume you're the promoter.

<B>Which fight would you sacrifice a potentially big PPV payday for Fox. </b>

 

[Sharkweather]

I wouldn't waste Brock, Silva or GSP on TV. Can't decide between the first two options, but leaning towards Jones/Evans.

 

[Warner2BruceTD]

FOX is paying $90M, you need to give them shows that will pull legitimate network level numbers or this will fail.

They also need to be careful who they choose to put on the first show. there is no need to bore Joe Public with the likes of Gray f'n Maynard or Frankie Edgar. Plus they aren't big enough names.

Id go with Brock, GSP, or Anderson Silva. GSP bucks stereotype, and is a good face of the sport. Silva coould burn you if he's bored, but if we are talking Sonnen it wouldn't be an issue. Brock is the biggest star and all of his fights are short and exciting.

If I'm picking something off of that list, its Silva/Sonnen. A motivated Silva, a great backstory, and the one man hype machine to do media leading up.

I would also book stand up fights on the undercard. America will be turned off by the Zuffa wrestlefuck.

 

[SHOGUN]

Lesnar/Overeem because it would be short, exciting and would showcase Overeem. The other fights outside of maybe Sonnen/Silva has too much potential to be boring for a debut event.

I would also book stand up fights on the undercard. America will be turned off by the Zuffa wrestlefuck.

:yep:

 

[LiquidLarry2GhostWF]

Brock v. Mir III

Will be short, exciting, and it will make people watch.

Not sure if this is the monster PPV draw you'd think by 2012. Plus, sometimes you need to give something away free that someone will pay for, just to prove a point. With Fox now invested big time, you need to show them, ratings wise, you can be a big hit...you throw a warning shot with Lesnar-Mir III and I think you have yourself a real hit on the main event.

 

[EmpireWF]

Well, the first FOX show will be November 12.

So we can forget about all of those fights above except for the Brock fights....if he can get back in the cage by then.

 

[Bmore]

I like Brock/Mir III

Brock is a huge sell still and I think would bite the bullet for the company.

 

[CrimsonGhost56]

anyone vs. brock is what they need to do

 

[EmpireWF]

lol

Dana White said 0% chance Brock is fighting 11/12. Earliest he'll be available is early 2012.

With all the major stars unavailable to them for their debut on Fox, I wonder what rabbit they can pull out of their hat.

 

[Kuzzy Powers]

Shad/Bones could set up nicely here.

 

[EmpireWF]

Shad/Bones could set up nicely here.

Not anymore. Bones would be fighting on 2-3 weeks notice.

 

[BigBiss]

Bring Back Chuck

 

[Bmore]

IceMan vs The Natural. Make it happen :shifty:

 

[CrimsonGhost56]

IceMan vs The Natural. Make it happen :shifty:

what is this? 2005?

 

[Liquidrob]

Fitch vs Shields

 

[BigBiss]

Griffin vs Bonner

 

[BigBiss]

If I pitch putting Houston Alexander on the card will I have gone too far?

 

[SHOGUN]

If I pitch putting Houston Alexander on the card will I have gone too far?

Nope. He's got a 4-fight win streak and always delivers a fun fight Kimbo shenanigans aside.

 

[BigBiss]

Nope. He's got a 4-fight win streak and always delivers a fun fight Kimbo shenanigans aside.

I should have done some research I assumed he went back to being a teacher after that fight, good for him.

 

[Liquidrob]

It's only an hour special with 2 fights