UFC counter-programming Bellator

[Edmond Rousey]

So... The UFC has made a bold move in counter-programming vs a Bellator event with a show of their own.

Not only will the competing UFC Fight Night be held on the same evening as the Bellator season opener, but it will be held within 15 minutes of the venue at a rival casino. This attacks the gate as well as the TV ratings.

Do you expect this to happen more than once, or is this a 1-time warning shot fired by Zuffa?

 

[Rampage_Jackson]

This seems like a gross-overreaction to 100k buys...

 

[Hades86]

Zuffa has done this before with SF, it will continue to do it after Belator is gone.

 

[NGute87]

UFC making a BOLD statement.

 

[Bigj383]

It could just be a coincidence as well.

 

[Jesus Freak]

Reminiscent of the Monday Night Wars between WWE and WCW!

Well, kind of.

 

[Edmond Rousey]

They're publicly acknowledging that Bellator is legit competition to them, by doing this.

 

[heavyarms21]

How is it bold , its really just a kick in the balls to Bellator

 

[peanustndimes]

Who's nachos are cheaper?

 

[Jesus Freak]

So... The UFC has made a bold move in counter-programming vs a Bellator event with a show of their own.

Not only will the competing UFC Fight Night be held on the same evening as the Bellator season opener, but it will be held within 15 minutes of the venue at a rival casino. This attacks the gate as well as the TV ratings.

Do you expect this to happen more than once, or is this a 1-time warning shot fired by Zuffa?

Who's to say it isn't Bellator who's counter-programming???

 

[ZackZed]

Reminiscent of the Monday Night Wars between WWE and WCW!

Well, kind of.

Monday Night Wars was fought on a much larger scale, same time programming trying to win ratings. Needless to say all those WCW originals were deliberately mistreated after having their contract transferred.

 

[peanustndimes]

Who's to say it isn't Bellator who's counter-programming???

Yeah! They are coming for Jon Jones. Tito vs. Jones, 2015 Cowboys stadium, I fully agree dude.

 

[Rampage_Jackson]

Who's to say it isn't Bellator who's counter-programming???

It could just be a coincidence as well.

 

[NGute87]

How is it bold , its really just a kick in the balls to Bellator

**BOLD kick in the balls**
I agree with you, but its still a bold statement. I think they are showing Bellator they're bigger. Right or wrong, it is what it is I guess.

 

[Jesus Freak]

Yeah! They are coming for Jon Jones. Tito vs. Jones, 2015 Cowboys stadium, I fully agree dude.

No, seriously. Isn't Bellator a bit less expensive to attend? What if they're trying to beat 'em at live-gate figures?

 

[Jesus Freak]

Dude, I LOVE Dumb & Dumber!

Can't wait for D&D Too.

 

[peanustndimes]

No, seriously. Isn't Bellator a bit less expensive to attend? What if they're trying to beat 'em at live-gate figures?

Bellator has to be cheaper I would guess. Maybe it will benefit both shows?

 

[Edmond Rousey]

Bellator has to be cheaper I would guess. Maybe it will benefit both shows?

Is New England such an MMA hot-bed that there will be enough demand to sell tickets to both shows on a Friday?

 

[peanustndimes]

Is New England such an MMA hot-bed that there will be enough demand to sell tickets to both shows on a Friday?

That depends on if Bon Jovi is playing that night.

 

[Rampage_Jackson]

Bellator has to be cheaper I would guess. Maybe it will benefit both shows?

and thus the sport as a whole I would imagine. The UFC doing this means MMA news outlets will talk about it and more people will be reading about Bellator.

It is a silly decision by the UFC IMO, just giving Bellator free exposure indirectly.