Comments on: Sunday papers: Fernando Vargas promoting MMA

By: Fightlinker.com

Fightlinker.com — Mon, 14 May 2007 14:02:18 +0000

Yeah, but regardless of the viability of PRIDE, this sale (or lack of) still gets the desired effect of locking up the other big roster of talent. I think Zuffa realized that this is the point where the market can really splinter and other companies are really pushing. If they get through the next 3-4 years without another pride-sized company appearing, they should hold a virtual monopoly until … oh 2026 when the Great Fighter Uprising occurs.

By: Grape Knee High

Grape Knee High — Mon, 14 May 2007 12:58:03 +0000

“Everyoneâ€¦every company is vulnerable. And remember, Zuffa only has less than 50 employeesâ€¦do not make them out to be a huge indomitable giant eh?”

That is exactly the reason why Zuffa wants — or is it now wanted? — to buy PRIDE. The more organizations they own, the greater market share they have on MMA and they have a greater ability to keep more fighters under contract. The more fighters they have under contract, the fewer good fighters are available for their competition to sign. This is all assuming that each organization they buy is economically sustainable as an independent organization (or dependent on how willing Zuffa is to pay a premium to keep fighters not in the UFC). PRIDE in its current form will not be, without a network TV deal, and we’ll see whether the WEC needs subsidies from Zuffa or not in the long run.

By: Jonathan

Jonathan — Mon, 14 May 2007 04:38:58 +0000

I suppose that is true Tomer. But from what I gather, even Don King fell down after a while..though 30 years is a long time on top.

And I was amazed to find that Pancrase has all of 10 people working for it.

By: Tomer Chen

Tomer Chen — Sun, 13 May 2007 23:53:30 +0000

Everyoneâ€¦every company is vulnerable. And remember, Zuffa only has less than 50 employeesâ€¦do not make them out to be a huge indomitable giant eh?

Don King had less than 50 employees in his promotional company and he dominated the Heavyweight scene in Boxing for nearly 30 years…

By: Jonathan

Jonathan — Sun, 13 May 2007 23:19:15 +0000

Everyone…every company is vulnerable. And remember, Zuffa only has less than 50 employees…do not make them out to be a huge indomitable giant eh?

By: 45 Huddle

45 Huddle — Sun, 13 May 2007 22:58:29 +0000

I disagree that Zuffa is vulnerable. If they get HBO… And then get the backing of ESPN in a semi-strong way, then it will be near impossible for any company to wreck their market share. People refer to MMA as Ultimate Fighting.

By: Rollo the Cat

Rollo the Cat — Sun, 13 May 2007 21:46:18 +0000

“Zuffaâ€™s vulnerable, but that weakness will never be exploited by the current crop of players. It will take a new player with an entirely different business plan than what has been demonstrated to even be competitive.”

Apparently, that is on its way.

By: Zach Arnold

Zach Arnold — Sun, 13 May 2007 21:37:11 +0000

Zuffa’s vulnerable, but that weakness will never be exploited by the current crop of players. It will take a new player with an entirely different business plan than what has been demonstrated to even be competitive.

By: 45 Huddle

45 Huddle — Sun, 13 May 2007 21:17:51 +0000

Never though of the Bushido comparison, but it is a good one. The WEC offered Hatsu Hioki (the guy who beat Homick) a contract but he turned it down. Money wasn’t the issue I guess. I would have loved to see him against Faber.

As for the companies working together…..

Pro Elite tried to do this, and there is already issues with the different companies. Besides, looking purely at the American market, Zuffa would be stupid to help their competition out. Not one compamy has had more then 50,000 PPV Buys. None have had huge gates. The IFL & GFC are losing money. Pro Elite hasn’t turned a profit yet. Bodog’s TV show is getting .2 ratings, and their PPV’s are tanking. In 2 years, the number of big time organizations are going to be basically limited to Pro Elite & Zuffa. And Pro Elite doesn’t have enough TV or money backing them to do big numbers.

By: Jonathan

Jonathan — Sun, 13 May 2007 18:23:33 +0000

I think, and would not mind seeing, that the WEC might become something more akin to Pride Bushido? I reall loved the Bushido shows, and if the WEC fills this nitch, then all the better.