Comments on: Monson + St. Pierre = UFC Problem? http://www.fightopinion.com/2006/10/27/monson-st-pierre-ufc-problem/ Thu, 09 Feb 2012 14:26:45 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.9.2 hourly 1 By: Gumby http://www.fightopinion.com/2006/10/27/monson-st-pierre-ufc-problem/comment-page-1/#comment-11063 Gumby Wed, 01 Nov 2006 10:44:24 +0000 http://www.fightopinion.com/2006/10/27/monson-st-pierre-ufc-problem/#comment-11063 Good post. One point I'd like to make out is that the UFC is about marketing the UFC first and foremost, and the fighters secondary. So does it really matter who the champs are? As long as the fighters produce in the ring. The bottom line is delivering exciting PPV's that the audience is going to want to purchase month after month. Honestly Chuck Lidell's personality (sparkly as it may be in person) has not been his main selling point to the public, the fact that he takes on all comers and the usually wind up KO'd is what has people hyped. Rich Franklin, same thing. Anderson Silva will do just fine. TUF not withstanding, the UFC has not really hyped the personalities of any of it's fighters, as much as the fighters have come out and sold themselves. Tito and Kenn are hype machines with or without Zuffa, the UFC was simply smart enough to take advantage of the rivalry (like any sane promoter would). . Good post.

One point I’d like to make out is that the UFC is about marketing the UFC first and foremost, and the fighters secondary.

So does it really matter who the champs are? As long as the fighters produce in the ring. The bottom line is delivering exciting PPV’s that the audience is going to want to purchase month after month. Honestly Chuck Lidell’s personality (sparkly as it may be in person) has not been his main selling point to the public, the fact that he takes on all comers and the usually wind up KO’d is what has people hyped. Rich Franklin, same thing. Anderson Silva will do just fine. TUF not withstanding, the UFC has not really hyped the personalities of any of it’s fighters, as much as the fighters have come out and sold themselves. Tito and Kenn are hype machines with or without Zuffa, the UFC was simply smart enough to take advantage of the rivalry (like any sane promoter would). .

]]> By: Zack http://www.fightopinion.com/2006/10/27/monson-st-pierre-ufc-problem/comment-page-1/#comment-10981 Zack Sat, 28 Oct 2006 05:57:44 +0000 http://www.fightopinion.com/2006/10/27/monson-st-pierre-ufc-problem/#comment-10981 Terrible article. GSP is very marketable....guys and girls both love him. He's an exciting fighter (outside of the BJ fight) and a class act. Also...Liddell the baddest man on the planet? Uhhhh....Fedor? Cro Cop? Etc? Etc Etc? Cmon dude. I love reading Zach Arnold & Dave Meltzer talk about MMA because they "get it" but the rest of the pro wrestling dudes reporting on MMA, while playing catchup with the history, ooze with clueless-ness. Terrible article.

GSP is very marketable….guys and girls both love him. He’s an exciting fighter (outside of the BJ fight) and a class act. Also…Liddell the baddest man on the planet? Uhhhh….Fedor? Cro Cop? Etc? Etc Etc? Cmon dude.

I love reading Zach Arnold & Dave Meltzer talk about MMA because they “get it” but the rest of the pro wrestling dudes reporting on MMA, while playing catchup with the history, ooze with clueless-ness.

]]> By: JThue http://www.fightopinion.com/2006/10/27/monson-st-pierre-ufc-problem/comment-page-1/#comment-10978 JThue Sat, 28 Oct 2006 04:52:00 +0000 http://www.fightopinion.com/2006/10/27/monson-st-pierre-ufc-problem/#comment-10978 Good article, pointing to a more realistic potential MINOR problem than the Silva-debacle that was posted on this site a few days ago. I just don't get how you can state that... 1: "Indeed, it is certainly much easier to market a good looking and articulate former school teacher turned mixed martial artist than a rather enigmatic, soft spoken figure who speaks Portuguese." 2: "And that’s exactly what Georges is … cute." Franklin has the exact same issue as St.Pierre does. He's a babyface nice guy who can't get over as serious if his life depends on it. If it was easy to market Franklin, it'll be easiER to market St.Pierre, seeing as Georges will actually, unlike Rich, happen to defeat a solidified champion in a highly competitive division if he beats Hughes for the strap. Just a tiny bit of inconsistency there :) Good article, pointing to a more realistic potential MINOR problem than the Silva-debacle that was posted on this site a few days ago. I just don’t get how you can state that…

1: “Indeed, it is certainly much easier to market a good looking and articulate former school teacher turned mixed martial artist than a rather enigmatic, soft spoken figure who speaks Portuguese.”

2: “And that’s exactly what Georges is … cute.”

Franklin has the exact same issue as St.Pierre does. He’s a babyface nice guy who can’t get over as serious if his life depends on it. If it was easy to market Franklin, it’ll be easiER to market St.Pierre, seeing as Georges will actually, unlike Rich, happen to defeat a solidified champion in a highly competitive division if he beats Hughes for the strap.

Just a tiny bit of inconsistency there :)

]]> By: Amy Robinson http://www.fightopinion.com/2006/10/27/monson-st-pierre-ufc-problem/comment-page-1/#comment-10977 Amy Robinson Sat, 28 Oct 2006 03:50:34 +0000 http://www.fightopinion.com/2006/10/27/monson-st-pierre-ufc-problem/#comment-10977 Matt and Tim aren't nessecarily all that great alternatives in the marketing department. Tim's flabby with a touch of a beer belly, hardly the physcial specimen you would expect an ultimate fighting champion to be. On top of that he looks like he could be one of the drunk skinheads in the audience of a black sabbath concert. Matt on the other hand is cocky, which has infact turned alot of fans off of him. Not to mention with his Hank Williams music and farm boy breeding, many see him as an uber-redneck who they wish would get on the first bus back to hicksville. And the UFC has had a tough time with those two as there champions, Tim is not a draw on his own, for as much as he insists he is, which is why he's almost always paired up with another headlining bout on PPV, and in those situations he's never the real main event draw, even though he insists he is. Matt has been a difficult one too, for as long as he's been champion and for as dominant as he's been he still hasn't provided the drawing power he should potentially have. The biggest disappointment with him was at UFC 60, their first show in L.A. with the fighting machine in Hughes and the original legend in Royce they fell much below the tremendous attendance expectations the UFC had. Monson doesn't really offer any better choice in champion than Sylvia, as he could be right there in crowd with Big Timmy head banging along to Ozzy. But GSP an the other hand has definite potential. Menacing perhaps he's not in looks, but in the cage he definitely is. And good looks, a good personality, and great athleticism are tremendous pros in the realm of marketing. Just look what they did for Franklin -- he went from a relativly indifferent fighter to the fans to bonified superstar utilizing the same qualities St. Pierre has along with the momentum of a title reign. If GSP does capture the belt in Nov. it may turn out to be a big positive for the UFC in the birth of a new superstar. Matt and Tim aren’t nessecarily all that great alternatives in the marketing department. Tim’s flabby with a touch of a beer belly, hardly the physcial specimen you would expect an ultimate fighting champion to be. On top of that he looks like he could be one of the drunk skinheads in the audience of a black sabbath concert. Matt on the other hand is cocky, which has infact turned alot of fans off of him. Not to mention with his Hank Williams music and farm boy breeding, many see him as an uber-redneck who they wish would get on the first bus back to hicksville.

And the UFC has had a tough time with those two as there champions, Tim is not a draw on his own, for as much as he insists he is, which is why he’s almost always paired up with another headlining bout on PPV, and in those situations he’s never the real main event draw, even though he insists he is.

Matt has been a difficult one too, for as long as he’s been champion and for as dominant as he’s been he still hasn’t provided the drawing power he should potentially have. The biggest disappointment with him was at UFC 60, their first show in L.A. with the fighting machine in Hughes and the original legend in Royce they fell much below the tremendous attendance expectations the UFC had.

Monson doesn’t really offer any better choice in champion than Sylvia, as he could be right there in crowd with Big Timmy head banging along to Ozzy. But GSP an the other hand has definite potential. Menacing perhaps he’s not in looks, but in the cage he definitely is. And good looks, a good personality, and great athleticism are tremendous pros in the realm of marketing. Just look what they did for Franklin — he went from a relativly indifferent fighter to the fans to bonified superstar utilizing the same qualities St. Pierre has along with the momentum of a title reign. If GSP does capture the belt in Nov. it may turn out to be a big positive for the UFC in the birth of a new superstar.

]]> By: JOSH http://www.fightopinion.com/2006/10/27/monson-st-pierre-ufc-problem/comment-page-1/#comment-10975 JOSH Sat, 28 Oct 2006 02:51:40 +0000 http://www.fightopinion.com/2006/10/27/monson-st-pierre-ufc-problem/#comment-10975 I would say the BJ/ GSP match wasnt really GSP's moment to shine. Granted Im one of the few that beleievd GSP rightfully won that match but he did it ONLY because of BJ's poor condition (or lack of fighting spirit?) I would say the BJ/ GSP match wasnt really GSP’s moment to shine. Granted Im one of the few that beleievd GSP rightfully won that match but he did it ONLY because of BJ’s poor condition (or lack of fighting spirit?)

]]> By: MMA T-Shirts http://www.fightopinion.com/2006/10/27/monson-st-pierre-ufc-problem/comment-page-1/#comment-10974 MMA T-Shirts Sat, 28 Oct 2006 02:39:25 +0000 http://www.fightopinion.com/2006/10/27/monson-st-pierre-ufc-problem/#comment-10974 I totally agree with what roadblock says above - I think that the UFC champs had little influence on the growth of the UFC (other than perhaps Liddell who just looks like a bad man). Yes marketing matters but Hughes and Franklin are easily substitutable. "And, by him losing, it could very well create somewhat of a vacuum until more people realize just how good St. Pierre is." I'm pretty certain most people who watch UFC know how good GSP is. I mean, in what fight has he looked anything other than good (and exciting for that matter)? I totally agree with what roadblock says above – I think that the UFC champs had little influence on the growth of the UFC (other than perhaps Liddell who just looks like a bad man). Yes marketing matters but Hughes and Franklin are easily substitutable.

“And, by him losing, it could very well create somewhat of a vacuum until more people realize just how good St. Pierre is.”

I’m pretty certain most people who watch UFC know how good GSP is. I mean, in what fight has he looked anything other than good (and exciting for that matter)?

]]> By: PizzaChef http://www.fightopinion.com/2006/10/27/monson-st-pierre-ufc-problem/comment-page-1/#comment-10973 PizzaChef Sat, 28 Oct 2006 02:15:56 +0000 http://www.fightopinion.com/2006/10/27/monson-st-pierre-ufc-problem/#comment-10973 To be honest I thought the UFC were trying to market Arlovski cause of his knock out power and quick hands. A KO artist that can grapple in a way. I though that would fit the UFC perfectly. Plus he attracted a few female fans. *Eyes someone.* Anyways, if Vera does face Sylvia, I would cheer for Vera. He's a great talent. To be honest I thought the UFC were trying to market Arlovski cause of his knock out power and quick hands. A KO artist that can grapple in a way. I though that would fit the UFC perfectly. Plus he attracted a few female fans. *Eyes someone.*

Anyways, if Vera does face Sylvia, I would cheer for Vera. He’s a great talent.

]]> By: Mr. Roadblock http://www.fightopinion.com/2006/10/27/monson-st-pierre-ufc-problem/comment-page-1/#comment-10972 Mr. Roadblock Sat, 28 Oct 2006 01:58:55 +0000 http://www.fightopinion.com/2006/10/27/monson-st-pierre-ufc-problem/#comment-10972 I think it is a coincidence that UFC rose to prominence in the US PPV market and on Cable while Liddell, Franklin and Hughes were champs. I think UFC would have risen no matter what once they got the show on Spike and made their press blitz. I think it is the idea of fighting and the sport and the blood and danger that gets people excited. If instead of Liddell, Franklin and Hughes it was Wanderlai Silva, Dan Henderson and BJ Penn or Shogun, Jackson, Bustamante it would have happened. Hughes and Franklin are boring, vanilla types of people. In fact Hughes comes across as a big douche bag almost every time he opens his mouth. I'm not saying that having personalities isn't important. My point is that the champion needs to be the best fighter and fight an exciting style. UFC has shown that Tito/Ken in a non-title match can draw. GSP and Anderson Silva are great exciting to watch fighters. They are the perfect champions. If UFC needs to they can protect the Mike Swicks and the Forrest Griffins if they need poster boys. But let natural selection take it's course with the championship picture and things will be fine. Take Franklin for example. Even if UFC decides there is no conceivable way he will beat Anderson Silva you can still do 18 months to a year of a title chase for him. If and when someone does beat A. Silva then you pit Franklin against that guy. Besides these fans are fickle and this is gladiator stuff. Fans want dominant performers. I can think of about a dozen times fans started chanting for a guy who got little to no reaction on his walk to the cage. I'll bet next time A. Silva fights there will be chants of Silva, Silva throughout his fight. I think it is a coincidence that UFC rose to prominence in the US PPV market and on Cable while Liddell, Franklin and Hughes were champs. I think UFC would have risen no matter what once they got the show on Spike and made their press blitz. I think it is the idea of fighting and the sport and the blood and danger that gets people excited. If instead of Liddell, Franklin and Hughes it was Wanderlai Silva, Dan Henderson and BJ Penn or Shogun, Jackson, Bustamante it would have happened. Hughes and Franklin are boring, vanilla types of people. In fact Hughes comes across as a big douche bag almost every time he opens his mouth. I’m not saying that having personalities isn’t important. My point is that the champion needs to be the best fighter and fight an exciting style. UFC has shown that Tito/Ken in a non-title match can draw. GSP and Anderson Silva are great exciting to watch fighters. They are the perfect champions. If UFC needs to they can protect the Mike Swicks and the Forrest Griffins if they need poster boys. But let natural selection take it’s course with the championship picture and things will be fine.

Take Franklin for example. Even if UFC decides there is no conceivable way he will beat Anderson Silva you can still do 18 months to a year of a title chase for him. If and when someone does beat A. Silva then you pit Franklin against that guy.

Besides these fans are fickle and this is gladiator stuff. Fans want dominant performers. I can think of about a dozen times fans started chanting for a guy who got little to no reaction on his walk to the cage. I’ll bet next time A. Silva fights there will be chants of Silva, Silva throughout his fight.

]]> By: Chad http://www.fightopinion.com/2006/10/27/monson-st-pierre-ufc-problem/comment-page-1/#comment-10970 Chad Sat, 28 Oct 2006 01:44:36 +0000 http://www.fightopinion.com/2006/10/27/monson-st-pierre-ufc-problem/#comment-10970 The only bad marketing move by the UFC would be not to let the Best of the Best get in the ring and fight for it. I agree Sylvia does not look or fight like a heavyweight champ Arlovski is a much better fit (OH!! and where is Arlovski).... As someone who pays the $39.95 to wath these events I dont want something as stupid as a marketing scheme to sway who fights who or the outcome, Because then it becomes just like boxing and the WWE. The only bad marketing move by the UFC would be not to let the Best of the Best get in the ring and fight for it. I agree Sylvia does not look or fight like a heavyweight champ Arlovski is a much better fit (OH!! and where is Arlovski)…. As someone who pays the $39.95 to wath these events I dont want something as stupid as a marketing scheme to sway who fights who or the outcome, Because then it becomes just like boxing and the WWE.

]]> By: UFCmania http://www.fightopinion.com/2006/10/27/monson-st-pierre-ufc-problem/comment-page-1/#comment-10969 UFCmania Sat, 28 Oct 2006 01:13:23 +0000 http://www.fightopinion.com/2006/10/27/monson-st-pierre-ufc-problem/#comment-10969 <em>How dumb do you have to be to think GSP would be a bad champ because of his accent?</em> Ha, nowhere did we say that he would be a bad champ. In fact, as avid fight fans, we, too, would rather see GSP put an end to Matt Hughes' reign. However, Matt Hughes does have major appeal from a fan and marketing standpoint. Him, Chuck and Rich have been the posterboys for the UFC for a very long time, especially during its recent meteoric rise in popularity. And, by him losing, it could very well create somewhat of a vacuum until more people realize just how good St. Pierre is. Coupled, of course, with a victory by Monson. We merely raise the issue to spark good discussion and hear great opinions. Nice job. How dumb do you have to be to think GSP would be a bad champ because of his accent?

Ha, nowhere did we say that he would be a bad champ. In fact, as avid fight fans, we, too, would rather see GSP put an end to Matt Hughes’ reign.

However, Matt Hughes does have major appeal from a fan and marketing standpoint. Him, Chuck and Rich have been the posterboys for the UFC for a very long time, especially during its recent meteoric rise in popularity.

And, by him losing, it could very well create somewhat of a vacuum until more people realize just how good St. Pierre is. Coupled, of course, with a victory by Monson.

We merely raise the issue to spark good discussion and hear great opinions.

Nice job.

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