Obviously Overeem.
He has several different fanbases that identify with him:
1. Kickboxing fans (because of his decorated kickboxing background)
2. Grappling fans (because he boasts Abu Dhabi credentials as a European champion, and has submitted excellent black belts in MMA fights, such as Vitor Belfort)
3. Weight lifters and bodybuilders (because he is one of them)
4. Black people (because he is black, it wouldn't surprise me if Obama tunes in to the UFC but only if Overeem is fighting)
And PPV numbers are not the only way to measure a fighter's popularity and marketability, especially if he is from Brazil. I've heard that he and Vitor are the two most popular and recognizable names in Brazil now that Anderson is out. Given that the country is the UFC's second market, it means a lot. Even tho he sells around 250.000-300.000 in the US
Is there any Brazilian who could give actual PPV numbers or ratings for Aldo/Anderson/Vitor/JDS fights?
For me? Aldo. The average person, probably Reem. Sucks to say it.
I've never seen someone disclosing PPV numbers there. Maybe it's because the UFC events are usually sold as a monthly package.
But no doubt Aldo is huge there -- there's a reason he is called "the people's champ".
The ratings for Aldo x KZ: 12 points (39% share). That's 3x the ratings of the second place in the same time slot. That's also a record for an MMA fight in Brazil -- tied with Silva x Weidman I.
Considering that Brazil is the UFC's second biggest market and Jose is Brazil's last champion standing... I would suck it up to him in if I were in Dana's shoes.
source:
http://maquinadoesporte.uol.com.br/...e-aldo-iguala-recorde-de-audiencia_24775.html