UFC fighters ringside on Bellator tonight

[gotspool]

Just like the WWF/WCW invasion. Bellator gets more like pro wrestling each event.

...and there very well may be a market for that...especially when you're trying to build your brand and make it stand out from the UFC. I don't really care for the "WWE" aspects, but I can see how it makes sense from a business perspective...the crap sells whether you like it or not.

 

[gotspool]

Michael Chandler was cornering somebody in the UFC and Rogan said his name and that he was a top guy in the LW division.

...and if you listen closely after that comment, you can hear Dana choking rogan with his headset cord.

 

[fightdonttweet]

I just found it strange they showed them on t.v. you wouldn't see UFC doing that with Bellator fighters.

Bellator fighters aren't very well known.

 

[PIT FIGHTER]

The #2 promotion showing fighters from the #1 promotion attending their event helps promote and validate Bellator as a show worth watching. It doesn't matter if they were actually there to say hi to Scott or root on a teammate.

It's all about perception. I am willing to bet most, if not all, MMA fans who watch Bellator know who Cormier, Rockhold and Kos are. When recognizable UFC fighters are seen attending a Bellator event, it gives off the vibe that Bellator must be a hot ticket.

Same reason celebs who can't even name what the main event is will get camera time on a UFC PPV.


The reason "uncle Dana wouldn't show Bellator fighters sitting ringside at a UFC event" is because the UFC has absolutely nothing to gain by showing Bellator fighters attending a UFC card. All it would do is name-drop and give camera time to a bunch of fighters that most their fans probably aren't familiar with.

"Emmanuel Newton and Blagoi Ivanov enjoying the UFC fights tonight!"

OK...who the fuck is Emmanuel Newton or Blagoi Ivanov to the average UFC fan? How does the UFC benefit at all from acknowledging them on the air?

 

[lapollarecords]

did they say "MMA superstar Luke Rockhold in the arena" or some shit like that?

 

[Abortedone]

I don't know what the huge deal is honestly I paid it no mind hell half the time if you watch the fights on axs tv friday night every now and then you see ufc guys there as well

 

[sangreporsangre]

UFC doesn't make a big deal about showing guys from other orgs in the crowd, but Rogan and Goldy sometimes point them out them if they're in a guys corner. Sheeeiiit, remember when Cung was cornering Rumble? I think Zuffa wanted to sign him even back then because they would name drop him every time Rumble threw a kick.

 

[jamesgalb]

I was a little drunk last night...

Did I see them air an Eddie Alvarez promo clip in the bottom right of the broadcast at some point? Or was that a Chandler vs Alvarez replay promo?

 

[invictorious]

It looks like an Eddie Alvarez special will air on Spike next Saturday--the same night of his UFC debut.

 

[GNP45]

Why do people think Dana owns the fighters? Who gives a shit if he gets mad? Your job is to fight. If these guys aren't doing that, then he reserves the right to be angry.

 

[jamesgalb]

It looks like an Eddie Alvarez special will air on Spike next Saturday--the same night of his UFC debut.

rofl wtf...

Does this 'counter-programming' thing Spike is doing really work? I feel they did nothing but promote the UFC brand and its fighters the year after they lost them :\

 

[invictorious]

rofl wtf...

Does this 'counter-programming' thing Spike is doing really work? I feel they did nothing but promote the UFC brand and its fighters the year after they lost them :\

I don't feel its counter-programming. I think it is along the lines of why they show UFC fighters at their events, as a form of validation. If a former Bellator fighter does well in the octagon it makes them look good.

 

[jamesgalb]

I don't feel its counter-programming. I think it is along the lines of why they show UFC fighters at their events, as a form of validation. If a former Bellator fighter does well in the octagon it makes them look good.

Thats not why the were showing UFC fights for the year after they lost their UFC contract. They were specifically targeting 'specials' around an upcoming PPVs headliner(s), and airing them at the same time as the PPVs.

Spike viewed it as 'counter-programming', but I saw it as promoting the fighters the UFC is trying to sell a PPV for when they would air weekly commercials promoting an entire special based around the UFCs headliners... No one would watch the Spike counter-programming, but the UFC and that fighter would get a good bit more attention as a result.... Perfect example would be them giving Alvarez attention a week before his upcoming fight. Probably bought the UFC another few thousand views.

I am assuming it is airing at the same time as the UFC PPV, based on this... But I dont know that for sure. ANyone know?

 

[TheCoward]

Yes I personally do not object to them going to Bellator events. But I sure do doubt that the UFC would approve.

 

[Jas Hanz]

The #2 promotion showing fighters from the #1 promotion attending their event helps promote and validate Bellator as a show worth watching. It doesn't matter if they were actually there to say hi to Scott or root on teammates

AKA the rub and my point exactly!

 

[WarriorPoet1]

I just found it strange they showed them on t.v. you wouldn't see UFC doing that with Bellator fighters.

False
Joe Warren has cornered fights and been viewed on tv in the ufc*however they never mention an org
Betch is allowed to wear pitbull brothers stuff