UFC Looking To Counter Affliction show with Brandon Vera versus Wanderlei Silva

[WrongSideWarrior]

UFC considering July 19 show to counter "Affliction: Banned"
by Dann Stupp on Jun 16, 2008 at 11:08 am ET

The UFC has begun preparations to host a live fight event on Spike TV on July 19, the same night that the upstart Affliction promotion hosts its first pay-per-view event, Sherdog.com reports.

According to the report, the event could feature a light heavyweight main event between Wanderlei Silva and former heavyweight Brandon Vera, and it's expected to take place in Las Vegas.

A source close to the organization tells MMAjunkie.com (UFC blog for UFC news, UFC rumors, fighter interviews and event previews/recaps | MMAjunkie.com) that this isn't the first time the UFC has considered countering one of its rivals' major shows.

Back in May, EliteXC, arguably the UFC's top competitor, became the first-ever MMA organization to air live on major U.S. network television. A main event of former bare-knuckle brawler Kevin "Kimbo Slice" Ferguson and James Thompson was supplemented by a title fight between EliteXC middleweight champ Robbie Lawler and Scott Smith. The CBS broadcast peaked with 6.51 million viewers, topping previous ratings records held by the UFC and Spike TV.

According to the source, the UFC briefly explored the idea of putting together an event to counter "EliteXC: PRIMETIME," but many factors -- including already scheduled events on May 24 and June 5 -- prevented the May 31 show from taking place. The UFC and Spike TV ultimately countered EliteXC with pre-recorded programming geared around popular fighter Chuck Liddell, which held steady with 1.2 million to 1.6 million viewers throughout the night.

One thing worth noting is that with just a month of lead time, Spike TV would have a tall task in rearranging its programming and selling advertising for the event. The UFC and Spike TV would also need to negotiate a "fee" for the event since such programming isn't part of the standard UFC-Spike TV contract. UFC 75 (September 2007) and "Ortiz vs. Shamrock III: The Final Chapter" (October 2006) are examples of such speciality programs. And while the UFC and Spike TV have never publicly commented on the fee, it's believed to be anywhere from $2 million to $5 million per event.

If the UFC event does come to fruition, Affliction has reason to worry. The clothing company turned MMA promotion is reportedly banking on approximately 250,000 pay-per-view "buys" -- substantial numbers seen by the UFC (and UFC alone) in the U.S. Affliction headliner Fedor Emelianenko is an international superstar, but that status hasn't translated well to pay per view in the U.S. In fact, an April 2007 BodogFIGHT event that featured Emelianeno vs. Matt Lindland registered a lowly 13,000 "buys."

Additionally, the UFC has proven to be a hit on Spike TV. As mentioned above, the cable station can average more than a million viewers even with pre-recorded material. And live events, such as UFC 75 and Ortiz vs. Shamrock III, each peaked with nearly six million viewers. If the UFC produces an original event -- one that doesn't include a $40 pricetag -- it'll surely impact Affliction's pay-per-view numbers. Marketable stars such as Silva and Vera could make the hit that much harder.

In any manner, if and when the UFC confirms the event details, expect an announcement soon. Affliction has been promotings its event for nearly two months, and the UFC has just 33 days to make a push.

Dann Stupp is editor-in-chief of MMAjunkie.com. He is also the MMA columnist for the Dayton Daily News.

[zewkey]

ufc would be better served to sign/re-sign some of those HWs on the Affliction card.

[drunkguy]

Brandon Vera expected to meet Reese Andy at UFC Fight Night 14 | MMAjunkie.com

After a proposed bout with Wanderlei Silva failed to materialize, Brandon Vera will instead make his light-heavyweight debut against former IFL fighter and UFC newcomer Reese Andy (7-1 MMA, 0-0 UFC) at UFC Fight Night 14.

[drunkguy]

Anderson Silva vs James Irvin for the headliner

[jimike]

Hello, this is my first post on this site, hope I don't make anyone furious. (sometimes on posting sites people yell at each other and say "YOU MORON READ THE POSTING RULES!." Hate that.
Anyway I looked over the posting rules, so here goes:

There's some background here with the UFC and Fedor, you're probably aware of it, but without going into too much detail, UFC top dog Dana White wanted Fedor to sell his soul to UFC, and Fedor wouldn't have it. That plus some recent tension with Randy Couture and Dana White has caused Dana to take the gloves off so to speak in regards to how aggressive he is on the
market share.

Fedor is the best MMA fighter in the world in my opinion, hands down. The only reason he will eventually lose to a UFC fighter is by the time the UFC signs him he will be 80 years old.

But the statement posted that he may not be the best ticket draw is very true.

I'd love to see all the politics dropped in the MMA world, it's starting to remind me of boxing, where fights take years to come to fruition, and by that time both fighters have retired or something lol...

I'd love to just see fighting like the original UFC ( the new safety rules are fine, good to see, don't mind that at all, good for the fighters )

[drunkguy]

hey welcome to majorwager


rules aren't too complicated here. just don't be an asshole and you should be fine


surprised Fedor is only -400 against Sylvia. I planned on betting Tim but thought i'd get a little more

[jimike]

Yeah that seems low, perhaps some are thinking Sylvia may catch Fedor with a big punch early and connect. Sylvia is way bigger than Fedor, in pre-fight interviews with the two it looks like a mismatch.

Fedor can adapt to situations though remarkably well. He IS going to probably square up with Tim and challenge him to do that. But I've seen clips of Fedor fighting a 7'4" or something monster oriental guy, and also beating an Olympic medalist wrestler, with a wrestling move.

Plus he's Russian so he will probably never tap out, that's the way they are...

Im guessing one minute into the first round, they will bomb each other, then arm submission by Fedor...

but you never know...

[Uncle B]

Welcome to Mw, jimike...

[jimike]

Thanks

[drunkguy]

Affliction VP finds UFC counter-programming "flattering" | MMAjunkie.com

by Dann Stupp on Jul 02, 2008 at 6:04 pm ET

Many MMA fans have demonized the UFC for launching an event on Spike TV to counter Affliction's debut show. However, Affliction Vice President Tom Atencio said the move only confirms that the world's largest MMA promotion views Affliction as a legitimate threat.

Atencio talked about UFC Fight Night 14 and "Affliction: Banned" today during a media conference call with main-event fighters Josh Barnett, Matt Lindland and Mike Whitehead.

"It's flattering," Atencio said of the counter-programming. "Obviously, it means they're paying attention to us. And it obviously means we're a threat of some sort to them."

"Banned," which is headlined by longtime PRIDE champion Fedor Emelianenko vs. former UFC champ Tim Sylvia, features one of the deepest fights card in MMA history. As MMAjunkie.com (UFC blog for UFC news, UFC rumors, fighter interviews and event previews/recaps | MMAjunkie.com) previously reported, "Banned" features three ex-UFC heavyweight champs and a number of notables.

"Our card is stacked from top to bottom," Atencio said. "Every one of our fights could be a main event. It's just an unbelievable card, and people want to see it. There's very, very few people out there that are even criticizing the card."

The UFC has countered with a Spike TV event headlined by UFC middleweight champion Anderson Silva vs. James Irvin in a non-title fight at 205 pounds. Brandon Vera, Hermes Franca and Frankie Edgar are also on the card, but a total of 10 fighters will make their UFC debuts.

Despite the lack of known talent, the UFC event has a big advantage over the Affliction event: it's free on basic cable. Although Affliction will air two fights for free on FSN, the main card comes with a $39.95 price tag.

Still, Atencio believes fans won't be swayed by the UFC event. He believes everyone who wants to see "Banned" will order it, anyway. The UFC's event will simply cater to those who don't, he said.

"People who weren't going to watch our fight now have something to do," he said.

So, will the UFC continue going head-to-head with Affliction in the future (Atencio confirmed the organization will host another event around Nov. 1 and again in February)? It's possible. The first-ever EliteXC event to air on network television (May 31) was countered by a Chuck Liddell special the UFC commissioned for Spike TV, and according to Yahoo! Sports, another Spike TV special is being planned to counter EliteXC's follow-up event on July 26. EliteXC's May 31 event averaged 4.85 million viewers (peaking with 6.51 million), and Spike TV averaged just a third of that. But the counter-programming surely makes at least a small impact.

Atencio also downplayed criticism that the organization's follow-up events won't be nearly as stacked as "Banned." He was confident plenty of talent will be on display and said future events, which could include overseas shows, will feature winners from "Banned" and new fighters.

"We have a lot of fighters," he said. "We have a lot of fighters we're talking to right now."

[jimike]

Originally Posted by jimike

Yeah that seems low, perhaps some are thinking Sylvia may catch Fedor with a big punch early and connect. Sylvia is way bigger than Fedor, in pre-fight interviews with the two it looks like a mismatch.

Fedor can adapt to situations though remarkably well. He IS going to probably square up with Tim and challenge him to do that. But I've seen clips of Fedor fighting a 7'4" or something monster oriental guy, and also beating an Olympic medalist wrestler, with a wrestling move.

Plus he's Russian so he will probably never tap out, that's the way they are...

Im guessing one minute into the first round, they will bomb each other, then arm submission by Fedor...

but you never know...

told ya! fedor is too dominant, 36 second win/choke not 60 second/armlock but i was close

[jimike]

Originally Posted by jimike

told ya! fedor is too dominant, 36 second win/choke not 60 second/armlock but i was close

heres the link if anyone wants itYouTube - Affliction Banned Fedor vs Sylvia

[Oddessa]

MMAshare.com - Fight Video: Fedor vs Sylvia - Affliction Banned

all videos there

[jimike]

Originally Posted by Oddessa

MMAshare.com - Fight Video: Fedor vs Sylvia - Affliction Banned

all videos there

damn your link just kicked my link's ass. thanks, appreciate it.

[Oddessa]

[Oddessa]

MMA Card Favorites were.............20-1 last night.....10-0 on Affliction and 10-1 in UFC

[Oddessa]

Shannon Gugerty -220 Dale Hartt Submission 1st 3:33
Brad Blackburn -220 James Giboo TKO/RSC 2nd 2:29
Nate Loughran -265 Johnny Rees Submission 1st 4:21
Rory Markham -300 Brodie Farber KO 1st 1:37
Tim Credeur -550 Chris Yarborough TKO/RSC 1st 1:54
CB Dollaway -130 Jesse Taylor Submission 1st 3:58
Kevin Burns +200 Anthony Johnson TKO/RSC 3rd 3:35
Cain Velasquez -350 Jake O'Brien TKO/RSC 1st 2:02
Frank Edgar -160 Hermes Franca Decision 3rd
Brandon Vera -600 Reese Andy Decision 3rd
Anderson Silva -600 James Irvin TKO/RSC 1st 1:01


Fedor Emelianenko -500 Tim Sylvia Submission 1st 0:36
Andrei Arlovski -225 Ben Rothwell KO 3rd 1:13
Josh Barnett -350 Pedro Rizzo KO 2nd 1:44
Matt Lindland -500 Fabio Negao Decision 3rd
Renato Sobral -290 Mike Whitehead Decision 3rd
Mike Pyle -450 JJ Ambrose Submission 1st 2:51
Paul Buentello N/L(-600 on paper) Gary Goodridge Decision 3rd
Antonio Nogueira -1500 Edwin Dewees TKO/RSC 1st 4:06
Vitor Belfort -325 Terry Martin KO 2nd 3:12
Mark Hominick -135 Savant Young Submission 2nd 4:25