Give Me Evidence that MMA/UFC are is dying in popularity?

[NHB7]

I have heard a lot of talk on here recently that MMA/UFC dying in popularity. Maybe that's true, I don't know. But what evidence (it doesn't even need to be great evidence) do you have supporting or against that contention. I'll try to update the thread as we continue with evidence for and against that contention.

For the contention that the popularity of MMA is dying:

-GSP and Hendriks didn't hit 700K PPV buys
-The collapse of MMA in Japan
-UFC attendance has been flat for past several years, if not down.
-The general sense of posters that they have less (not forum) people to talk about the sport with.
-Wearing MMA style clothing no longer fashionable. (I wish it never was!)
-TUF's ratings are in the toilet.


Against the contention that the popularity of MMA is dying:

-It appears be becoming more popular internationally

 

[markg171]

The fact that GSP didn't hit 700k PPV buys against Hendricks

 

[wlu29]

The fact that GSP didn't hit 700k PPV buys against Hendricks

nobody knows what the ppv buys are

dave meltzer pulls numbers out of his ass

 

[JayElectra]

In the United States I don't think there is much compelling evidence that it's dying. It's growth might be stagnating a tad, but I'd need to see far more evidence to come to the conclusion that it's dying. On a worldwide level, it has grown a ton in Brazil in recent years. I think Canada's overall interest might wane without GSP in the fold. MMA in Japan has pretty much died, though (and Japan was the hub of MMA less than a decade ago).

 

[Number 8]

Mods, edit thread name to; "Is UFC dieded?"

 

[BotchMan]

The popularity has stagnated in the US but other areas are still opening up.

 

[templewarrior]

I voted yes although I don't think it will die...seems less popular in the States...

 

[Maroli]

it has definitely lost its lustre in north america. do you not remember the amount of hype surrounding the sport in 09? even your random guy off the street knew household names and the biggest upcoming fights. obviously there's some newer fans just discovering it, but the casual fan has all but disappeared.

 

[OmegaRugal]

It definitely lost a bit after Brock left and now with GSP and Anderson gone (for now at least) ... it definitely lost a bit in America but overall it just seems to keep getting bigger actually.

 

[DCarf]

The popularity has stagnated in the US but other areas are still opening up.

I lost interest in UFC with their constant BS hyping of everyone being the greatest and the WMMA. I watch bellator and free UFC cards on DVR only now. Back in the day I would plan my night around UFC now it's an afterthought

 

[osudude]

it has definitely lost its lustre in north america. do you not remember the amount of hype surrounding the sport in 09? even your random guy off the street knew household names and the biggest upcoming fights. obviously there's some newer fans just discovering it, but the casual fan has all but disappeared.

In other words, Lesnar is no longer around.

 

[DCarf]

Good poll to see who the idiots on these forums are.

It's an opinion based question how can someone be an idiot? That's like saying do you like carrots and claiming anyone who says no is an idiot.

 

[aModerateThreat]

i dont think it is waning, but the waxing has slowed a bit

 

[Gunny]

I think the PPV model is suffering and there may be some card to card dilution going on but I'd be willing to bet the overall global number of eyes watching the ufc in 2014 are an all time high.

 

[UK_MMA]

Trending downwards, absolutely.

 

[norsa]

Where's the who gives a shit option?

I tried finding it as well, sadly it was not found even after putting 1 million dollars worth of research into it.

 

[Killuminati]

Too lazy for evidence.

I just project my own disinterest onto everyone else.

It's been a good predictor in the past.

 

[drrtyboxin']

It is just a transitioning time of superstars.

Jon Jones and Cain Velasquez are right on the edge of superstardom. Anyone who doesn't know Jones will see the hype for the Jones/Gus II fight. Cain might be a few wins off still.

The sport lives on.

 

[seapants]

it's not dying, just evolving and figuring out what it is.

 

[blitzk]

I think the interest of some hardcore fans has declined a little.

But definitely popularity has increased in the sense that the sport is more mainstream than it was 5 years ago and there is much more people interested.

So no, it's not dying.