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ROUNDTABLE: Thoughts on the UFC's wildly successful January following declines in 2014
Jan 30, 2015 - 1:10:08 PM
ROUNDTABLE: Thoughts on the UFC's wildly successful January following declines in 2014
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Have you been surprised by how successful the UFC's three January events have been? Do you attribute it to the right stars in place, more effective promotion, a combination, etc.? Essetially, what do you think have been the key differences for the UFC to start off 2015 from the lower numbers last year?


RICH HANSEN, MMATORCH COLUMNIST

It's really no surprise to learn that well-booked cards that don't get killed by injuries will turn out well. The UFC's three cards this year have featured the big grudge match, their favorite new fighter, and the fighter who is the only guy to almost beat their most hated champion. All three events received tons of promotion, and they fall in the middle of a two month span of events that will also see the returns of Anderson Silva, Nick Diaz, Chris Weidman, and Ronda Rousey. Quite frankly, had these events not sold/drawn as well as they did, there'd be room for major concern. The UFC has always been good at making the most out of positive momentum. Their problem has historically been their inability to maintain momentum for more than a few events in a row. Sure they can survive the occasional dog event, but they tend to string bad events together far more frequently than they manage to string barnburners together.


FRANK HYDEN, MMATORCH CONTRIBUTOR

The only thing that's surprising is that the UFC doesn't do a better job on putting together cards. They can't rely on the UFC brand name to draw people in, they have to put together compelling fights and stack them together on cards. Injuries hampered things last year, but the UFC is also continuing to dilute itself with unneeded cards. They don't have the roster to be on every week, or close to it. Things are smooth now, but it won't be long before they're faced with the exact same questions they had last year. It'll be interesting to see how they answer them this time.


BRAD WALKER, MMATORCH CONTRIBUTOR

I'm not surprised, but I am impressed by the numbers. The fights have been legitimately well booked and closely contended in most cases and in the others the match ups were at very least compelling on paper. Just wait until next weekend when Anderson Silva hits the cage and kills the PPV numbers. The success is just beginning.


KALE HAVERVOLD, MMATORCH CONTRIBUTOR

I think there has been a great improvement in the publicity and production value of the UFC shows, which has been important. Also, two of the biggest stars in the UFC (Jones/McGregor) were on these first two cards, which definitely has helped with the ratings.


ALVIN CARTER, MMATORCH SPECIALIST

The UFC has hit a real production stride. Even with injuries changing cards, the big fights have been awesome, and the smaller ones have been entertaining. I was at UFC Fight Night 59 and it was amazing! Yes, Conor McGregor was a treat, but the card was fun through and through. It went up against the Patriots and did awesome (Every sky box had the game on, and they kept showing the score every 20 minutes on the big screens). I also think we have been seeing the fruits of the UFC/FOX partnership. There is a lot of programing that promotes and compliments the events. People are getting accustomed to seeing multiple cards a week and even a day. There are big stars, great fights, and lots of cross promotion. It is hard work on Joe Silva annd Sean Shelby's end, and excellent athletes trying to climb the later or stay at the top.


TOM STRONG, MMATORCH UK CONTRIBUTOR

I haven't been surprised at all really; the three events have all been headlined by either great match ups, or a fighter, i.e. McGregor, that people want to watch. The same applies for this weekend's event when the greatest ever, Anderson Silva, returns against the man many love to watch, like McGregor, in Nick Diaz.

These fights sell, it doesn't really matter who they put on before as people will tune in for the main event. The real difference have been quality of main event fights that have been on offer at the start of the year, when it's time for Stephen Thompson vs. Brandon Thatch at UFC Fight Night 60 will the numbers still be successful, that's the question?


CASH NORMAN, MMATORCH CONTRIBUTOR

In 2014 the UFC experienced a 40% drop in profits due to watered down cards and a lack of stars. Plus, I think some of the marketing of the fights were uninspired or flat out atrocious. No longer can the UFC expect fans to tune in and purchase pay per views based on the name of the organization alone. The UFC needs stars to headline cards and why not have your biggest stars or prospects head cards to kick off the year.

I still believe the UFC needs to update the manner in which they market and promote fights. They still need to find marketing angles other than a rivalry between fighters. There are only so many ways you can market fighter A hates fighter B.


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