A quick fix to a slow-growing problem?

Photo Credit: Esther Lin/MMA Fighting

By Chris Huntemann, Columnist

Much has been made lately about UFC bringing back old faces and signing new ones, with former WWE wrestler CM Punk making the biggest splash. He announced live during UFC 181 earlier this month that he signed a contract with UFC.

The signing of Punk is on the heels of the UFC bringing back famed rebels-without-a-cause Nate and Nick Diaz, and was followed by the company bringing back Quinton “Rampage” Jackson, who left under less-than-pleasant circumstances in 2013, to put it mildly.

Punk’s signing was met with derision by multiple fighters, while Nate Diaz’s return was marred with a missed open workout, missing weight, continued complaints about his pay and a three-round beating by Rafael Dos Anjos. His brother Nick seems to be faring slightly better, landing a main event fight with former middleweight champion Anderson Silva at UFC 183 in late January and staying out of trouble since his most recent arrest.

Not much is known yet about Jackson’s return to the UFC, as it is being contested in court by Bellator MMA and its parent company, Viacom. But the signing of a former pro wrestler with zero MMA experience, brothers who are accomplished fighters but also certifiable pains-in-the-asses and another accomplished fighter who has displayed numerous instances of questionable behavior outside the cage, suggests the UFC may be scrambling for something – anything – to increase fan interest.

Oh yeah, and the UFC is also being sued by former fighters over claims the company has created a monopoly in MMA and doesn’t fairly compensate its fighters. Are all of these occurrences related? It’s possible.

Pay-per-view buy-rates for the UFC are down, no question about it. UFC 177 – which was supposed to feature a rematch between TJ Dillashaw and Renan Barao for the bantamweight title but changed at the last minute after Barao had to withdraw from the bout – received one the lowest buy-rates in recent memory.

What could the UFC do to bring in more fans besides signing pro wrestlers with no experience (though they don’t seem to be alone – Bellator is apparently courting former WWE wrestler Alberto Del Rio and has entered the Brock Lesnar sweepstakes) and bringing back controversial former stars who may have lost a step? The answer is simple, yet complicated.

The buy-rates for UFC PPVs are likely proportionate to the quality of the card being offered. Cards that seemed “stacked” with multiple fights featuring popular fighters (like UFC 181 earlier this month, that featured two title fights and fighters like Anthony Pettis, Gilbert Melendez and Robbie Lawler) still fare pretty well.

But, due to what I believe is an increase in demand for programming from FOX and the presence of UFC Fight Pass, the company has to put on more and more live cards and stretch its roster thin in order to meet this demand. As a result, many live fight cards are headlined by fighters who would normally be on the undercard on PPVs and are supported by fights that wouldn’t even make it on to broadcast.

In layman’s terms, the UFC product as a whole feels very watered down, a sentiment shared by fans:

Haven't missed a UFC PPV since UFC 40 and UFC 149 was one of the worst ever! These weak watered down card HAVE to stop. #UFC 149
— Colin Hollett (@colinhollett) July 22, 2012

#ufc149 this Faber vs Barao fight blows the load UFC PPV's are getting watered down
— Manny (@MannyKicks) July 22, 2012

@danawhite Hey Danal, is the next @ufc ppv gonna be better than that last watered down POS event???
— Timebomb (@Timebomb_101) September 8, 2014

So while reducing the number of live cards is the simple answer, the trade-off for having your product on a platform like one of the big four networks is playing your role to help fill that network’s programming.

So maybe this is the new reality for UFC. Fight cards that feature only one “marquee” bout and several fights featuring unknown fighters. Bringing back fighters that may have lost a step but still bring name recognition. Signing professional wrestlers or other athletes that have no MMA experience, but can bring new viewers with them. While UFC has a future in 2015, it’s very much an unknown one.

Chris Huntemann writes about mixed martial arts in the state of Maryland. He also contributes his thoughts to our site on the UFC, Bellator, and World Series of Fighting. Check out his blog, or follow him on Twitter: @mmamaryland.

Bellator & Gilbert Melendez Agree on Structure to Bring Top Lightweight To Bellator

UFC Now Holds Right to Match Offer

Newport Beach, Calif. (February 14, 2014) – At 22-3, Gilbert Melendez sits atop the UFC’s lightweight division. With victories over Josh Thomson, Diego Sanchez, Shinya Aoki and Jorge Masvidal, “El Nino” is ready for a new crop of challengers as the Santa Ana native has agreed to a multi-fight, multi-year deal structure with Bellator that can pit Melendez against some of MMA’s best, including Eddie Alvarez, Michael Chandler, Will Brooks, Dave Jansen and a host of top lightweights from around the world.

“The moment Gil was legally able to explore the free agent market, Gil’s management team reached out to me and we began figuring out how to bring Gil to Bellator,” said Bellator Chairman & CEO Bjorn Rebney. “It’s no secret that I’ve been a big “El Nino” fan for many years. Gil was one of the first fighters I tried to sign when I launched Bellator back in 2008, and he’s grown and developed into one of the best and most exciting lightweights on earth.  Gil has a vision for what he wants to accomplish both inside and outside the cage and we can help make his vision a reality.  We are in the business of developing and showcasing the greatest fighters on earth. That’s what we intend to do here with Gil and it’s what we’ll continue to do in the future.”

The UFC currently holds matching rights on Melendez.

For more information, visit Bellator.com, follow Bellator on Twitter @BellatorMMA, follow Bellator Chairman & CEO Bjorn Rebney @BjornRebney and check out Bellator on Facebook at www.facebook.com/BellatorMMA          

The Quarterfinals Conclude Tonight On An All-New Ultimate Fighter

Two More Will Advance To The Semis Tonight On An All-New Ultimate Fighter Team Sonnen's Uriah Hall battles Team Jones' Bubba McDaniel, and Josh Samman takes on Jimmy Quinlan! The Ultimate Fighter Team Jones vs Team Sonnen - all-new tonight at 9pm ET/PT on FX Who Will Advance To The Semifinals? Make Your TUF Tournament Picks Now The final two quarterfinal matches take place tonight - pick now for a chance to win prizes! Tickets Available For UFC Events In April Urijah Faber battles Scott Jorgensen, plus the TUF season 17 winner will be crowned on April 13th in Las Vegas! The Octagon then heads to San Jose on April 20th for a lightweight championship showdown between Benson Henderson and Gilbert Melendez! April comes to a close with a light heavyweight championship matchup between heated rivals and current TUF coaches Jon Jones and Chael Sonnen in New Jersey on April 27th! Get your tickets now at ticketmaster.com.

UFC on FUEL TV - LIVE on FUEL TV - Sat. April 6 - Stockholm, Sweden The Ultimate Fighter Finale - LIVE on FX - Sat. April 13 - Las Vegas, NV

Tickets On Sale This Week For Henderson vs Melendez in San Jose

Champion vs Champion: Henderson Faces Melendez in San Jose, Tix On Sale This Week UFC lightweight champion Benson Henderson returns to the Octagon to face the final Strikeforce lightweight champion Gilbert Melendez! Plus, Frank Mir takes on Strikeforce Heavyweight World Grand Prix champion Daniel Cormier! Saturday, April 20 live at the HP Pavilion in San Jose, California. UFC Fight Club presale starts Wednesday at 10am PT, join today for first access to tickets Team Jones Looks For Their First Win Tonight On An All-New Ultimate Fighter Team Sonnen has charged ahead 2-0 in the tournament thanks to Uriah Hall's thunderous knockout of Adam Cella last week. Can Team Jones' Collin Hart put his squad on the board with a victory over Kevin Casey? The Ultimate Fighter Team Jones vs Team Sonnen, all-new tonight at 9pm on FX Team Jones or Team Sonnen? Make Your TUF Fantasy Picks Now Team Sonnen looks to continue their hot streak as their own Kevin Casey takes on Team Jones' Collin Hart tonight on FX! Make your Fantasy picks now!

TICKETS ON SALE THIS WEEK UFC: Henderson vs Melendez Saturday, April 20  HP Pavilion - San Jose, CA  UFC Fight Club Presale Starts Wednesday, February 13 - 10am PT Join today for first access to tickets! UFC VIP Packages On sale Wednesday, February 13 - 10am PT Purchase UFC Newsletter Presale Starts Thursday, February 14 - 10am PT Presale Password: FIGHT Purchase Public On-Sale Starts Friday, February 15 - 10am PT Purchase

UFC on FUEL TV: Barao vs McDonald on FUEL TV - Sat. February 16 - London, England UFC 157: Rousey vs Carmouche on Pay-Per-View - Sat. February 23 - Anaheim, CA

Strikeforce on SHOWTIME: A Retrospective

With Strikeforce’s finale taking place this past Saturday night on SHOWTIME, here is a look back at some of the most unforgettable moments featuring some of the biggest names in MMA: Frank Shamrock, Nick Diaz, Gilbert Melendez, Cung Le, Fedor Emelianenko, Gina Carano, Ronda Rousey, Cris Cyborg, and more!

Jake Shields signs with Paradigm MMA Management for full-service representation

November 26, 2012

(Irvine, CA)  Jake Shields, a professional MMA Fighter in the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), has signed with Paradigm MMA Management for full service representation.   Jake is a former Strikeforce World Champion, holds a professional MMA record of 27-6-2 and is widely regarded as a top contender at welterweight.

Jake lives and trains in San Francisco, California with top fighters such as Gilbert Melendez, Nate and Nick Diaz and is coached by Tareq Azim.  Jake said that he was excited to sign with Paradigm and about the opportunities that lie ahead.  Shields went on to say:

“I am extremely dedicated to my career, improving as a fighter and once again becoming World Champion.  I feel that the support of Paradigm’s team will allow me to best accomplish my personal and professional goals.”

Paradigm President Audie Attar said the company is ecstatic to have the opportunity to work with a world champion like Jake. Attar went on to say:

“Jake is a household name in the sport of MMA, he’s battled through a lot of adversity in his career and is poised to make a huge come back in the welterweight division.”

Three Strikeforce Championship Fights Come To OKC

Strikeforce Brings Three Title Fights, Plus The Return of Daniel Cormier, To OKC Strikeforce comes to the Chesapeake Energy Arena in Oklahoma City on Saturday, January 12th, and the card is loaded with championship matchups! Lightweight champion Gilbert Melendez defends the belt against Pat Healy, welterweight champ Nate Marquardt returns to face Tarec Saffiedine, and Lorenz Larkin looks to try and claim the middleweight title from champion Luke Rockhold! Tickets on sale this week. The Countdown to UFC 154 Begins Tonight UFC 154 is on the horizon - see how champions Georges St-Pierre and Carlos Condit have prepared for their showdown in Montreal, plus Martin Kampmann and Johny Hendricks get ready for their battle of welterweight contenders! Countdown to UFC 154 premieres tonight at 11pm ET / 8pm PT on FUEL TV

TICKETS ON SALE THIS WEEK Strikeforce Champions Presented by MusclePharm  Saturday, January 12 - Chesapeake Energy Arena  UFC Fight Club Presale Starts Wednesday, November 14 - Noon CT Join today for first access to tickets! Newsletter Presale Starts Thursday, November 15 - Noon CT Presale Password: ENERGY Purchase Public On-Sale Starts Friday, November 16 - Noon CT Purchase

UFC 154: St-Pierre vs Condit on Pay-Per-View - Saturday, Nov. 17 - Montreal, Canada UFC on FOX: Henderson vs Diaz on FOX - Saturday, December 8 - Seattle, WA

THREE STRIKEFORCE® TITLE FIGHTS AND THE RETURN OF OSU STAR DANIEL CORMIER HEADLINE JAN. 12, 2013 EVENT IN OKLAHOMA CITY, LIVE ON SHOWTIME®

TICKETS ON SALE FRIDAY, NOV. 16

Las Vegas, Nevada – STRIKEFORCE^® heads to the Chesapeake Energy Arena in Oklahoma City, Okla., onSaturday, Jan. 12 with three championship fights, plus the return of Oklahoma State University star Daniel Cormier, all televised live on SHOWTIME^®. With a collection of some of the best fighters in the world today, STRIKEFORCE has put together a memorable and historic card for the fans in the Sooner State. 

The action-packed night includes the following bouts:

• Gilbert “El Niño” Melendez (champion) vs. Pat Healy for the STRIKEFORCE lightweight title
• Luke Rockhold (champion) vs. Lorenz Larkin for the STRIKEFORCE middleweight title
• Nate Marquardt (champion) vs. Tarec Saffiedine for the STRIKEFORCE welterweight title
• Daniel Cormier (Grand Prix champion, OSU All-American) vs. Dion Staring

“We’ve built an absolutely stacked card for Oklahoma City and the SHOWTIME viewers,” STRIKEFORCE CEO Scott Coker said. “We have three awesome title fights featuring some of the best fighters to ever grace the STRIKEFORCE cage. Plus, we have Daniel Cormier, one of the fastest-rising heavyweight stars today, returning to his roots in Oklahoma to fight Dion Staring. January 12 is going to be a really special night.”

“The biggest stars in STRIKEFORCE are putting their titles on the line in competitive fights,” said Stephen Espinoza, Executive Vice President and General Manager, SHOWTIME Sports^®, “and that is precisely what fans of STRIKEFORCE on SHOWTIME have come to expect.  We are excited to be part of the event.”

STRIKEFORCE^® will air live on SHOWTIME^® at 10 p.m. ET/PT (delayed on the West Coast), while preliminary fights will be shown live on SHOWTIME EXTREME^® at 8 p.m. ET/PT (delayed on West Coast). Additional fights scheduled for the event are expected to be released shortly.

Tickets for STRIKEFORCE^® go on sale to the public on Friday, November 16 at 12 p.m. CT and are priced at $150, $100, $70 and $50. Tickets are available at the Chesapeake Energy Arena box office, all Ticketmaster locations, at Ticketmaster.com or 1-800-745-3000. Ticket prices will be announced in the coming days. Applicable service charges may apply.

UFC^® Fight Club^™ members will have the opportunity to purchase tickets to this event Wednesday, November 14 at 12 p.m. CT, via the website www.UFCFightClub.com. A special Internet ticket pre-sale will be available to UFC newsletter and STRIKEFORCE Insider subscribers Thursday, November 15, starting at 12 p.m. CT. To access this pre-sale, users must register for the UFC newsletter through www.UFC.com and the STRIKEFORCE Insider through www.STRIKEFORCE.com.

For more information or the latest STRIKEFORCE news, visit www.strikeforce.com. All bouts live and subject to change.

About STRIKEFORCE^® - www.strikeforce.com

Owned and operated by Forza, LLC, a subsidiary of Zuffa, LLC, which also owns the Ultimate Fighting Championship^® brand, STRIKEFORCE^® is a world-class mixed martial arts promotion based in Las Vegas, Nev. that currently holds live events annually across the United States. First established as a mixed martial arts entity in 2006, STRIKEFORCE now broadcasts its events live on SHOWTIME^® and has produced two live, primetime events on the CBS Television Network. With a growing roster featuring the world’s elite competitors, STRIKEFORCE has cemented its place as a leader in providing quality mixed martial arts action.

About Showtime Networks Inc.

Showtime Networks Inc. (SNI), a wholly-owned subsidiary of CBS Corporation, owns and operates the premium television networks SHOWTIME^®, THE MOVIE CHANNEL^™ and FLIX^®, as well as the multiplex channels SHOWTIME 2^™, SHOWTIME^® SHOWCASE, SHOWTIME EXTREME^®, SHOWTIME BEYOND^®, SHOWTIME NEXT^®, SHOWTIME WOMEN^®, SHOWTIME FAMILY ZONE^® and THE MOVIE CHANNEL^™ XTRA. SNI also offers SHOWTIME HD^™, THE MOVIE CHANNEL^™ HD, SHOWTIME ON DEMAND^® and THE MOVIE CHANNEL^™ ON DEMAND. SNI also manages Smithsonian Networks, a joint venture between SNI and the Smithsonian Institution, which offers Smithsonian Channel^™. All SNI feeds provide enhanced sound using Dolby Digital 5.1. SNI markets and distributes sports and entertainment events for exhibition to subscribers on a pay-per-view basis through SHOWTIME PPV^®. 

Chesapeake Energy Arena: 
Chesapeake Energy Arena is celebrating its 10-year anniversary in 2012 and recently completed a more than $90 million renovation that included a new grand entrance and other significant upgrades. The arena is managed by SMG, which since 1977 has provided management services to more than 220 public assembly facilities including arenas, stadiums, theatres and performing arts centers, equestrian facilities and convention, congress and exhibition cen­ters.

Tickets On Sale This Week For Strikeforce In Sacramento

Strikeforce Comes To Sacramento - Melendez vs Healy Tickets On Sale This Week Gilbert Melendez returns to the cage to defend the Strikeforce lightweight title against Pat Healy on Saturday, September 29th at the Power Balance Pavilion in Sacramento, CA! UFC Fight Club presale starts Friday at 10am PT til noon, followed by the newsletter presale. UFC Returns To Toronto - Tickets On Sale This Week The first-ever UFC flyweight champion will be crowned in Toronto when Joseph Benavidez and Demetrious Johnson battle for the belt! Plus, Brian Stann and Michael Bisping collide, and former champion BJ Penn makes his return to the Octagon to take on Canada's own Rory MacDonald! UFC 152 presented by Assassin's Creed III - Saturday, Sept. 22 live at the Air Canada Centre in Toronto - Public on-sale starts tomorrow at noon ET All-New UFC Magazine On Newsstands Now Featuring UFC 151 headliner and light heavyweight contender Dan Henderson, plus Strikeforce women's bantamweight champion Ronda Rousey on the covers! Subscribe today or find it on newsstands now!

TICKETS ON SALE THIS WEEK Strikeforce: Melendez vs Healy Saturday, September 29 Power Balance Pavilion - Sacramento, CA  UFC Fight Club Presale Starts Friday, July 27 - 10am to Noon PT Join today for first access to tickets! UFC Newsletter Presale Starts Friday, July 27 - Noon PT Presale Password: BALANCE Purchase Public On-Sale Starts Saturday, July 28 - 10am PT Purchase

UFC on FOX: Shogun vs Vera on FOX - Sat. August 4 - Los Angeles, CA UFC 150: Henderson vs Edgar II on Pay-Per-View - Sat. Augusts 11 - Denver, CO

DANIEL CORMIER THRASHES JOSH BARNETT TO CLAIM THE STRIKEFORCE HEAVYWEIGHT GRAND PRIX CHAMPIONSHIP

 

Plus, Gilbert Melendez Retains Lightweight Title

In Another Fierce Battle With Josh Thomson

Catch The Replay Sunday, May 20 at 9:30 a.m. ET/PT on SHOWTIME^®

SAN JOSE, Calif., (May 20, 2012) – Daniel Cormier, perhaps the freshest face in the heavyweight division, cemented his place among the world’s elite fighters with a brilliant performance against the renowned Josh Barnettat Saturday’s STRIKEFORCE Heavyweight Grand Prix tournament final at HP Pavilion in San Jose, Calif.

Cormier, fighting out of American Kickboxing Academy (AKA) in San Jose via Lafayette, La., won by clear Unanimous Decision (scores: 49-46 and 50-45 twice) to claim the Grand Prix championship belt and realize a dream that has been years in the making.

“I’ve lost a lot of people in my life and this is for them,” said the emotional champion after the fight. “For my kids, my daughter, my dad; this is for my family.”

Cormier went on to credit his AKA teammates who were in attendance. “Cain (Velazquez), Luke Rockhold, Mike Kyle. Those guys kick my (butt) everyday in practice so I know that I can go with anybody right here in the cage.

“Beating Josh Barnett, this is something a year ago that I never thought I could do.”

With less than 10 professional MMA starts, Cormier was a rising prospect when he entered the Grand Prix tournament as a replacement for Alistair Overeem.  On Saturday, Cormier used a perfect blend of the wrestling he honed at the Oklahoma State University and on the U.S. Olympic team and the sharp striking he’s acquired since joining AKA to defeat one of the most accomplished heavyweights in MMA history.

MORE RESULTS

STRIKEFORCE Lightweight Championship – 5 Rounds

In the pair’s third fierce battle, STRIKEFORCE Lightweight Champion Gilbert Melendez (21-2) won the thrilling rubber match by narrow Split Decision over Josh Thomson (19-5). Through five championship rounds it was give-and-take as both men traded sharp shooting strikes and shrewd takedowns. Scores were 48-47 Thomson, and 48-47 twice for Melendez.

STRIKEFORCE Light Heavyweight Special Attraction – 3 Rounds

Former Light Heavyweight Champion Rafael Feijao exacted revenge on Mike Kyle in a rematch of their 2009 fight.  Kyle taped to guillotine choke early in round 1.  The emphatic statement by Feijao puts him back in line for a shot at the vacant STRIKEFORCE Light Heavyweight title later this year. 

STRIKEFORCE Welterweight Special Attraction – 3 Rounds

Chris Spang (5-1) added a third knockout to his short resume by dispatching Nah-Shon Burrell (8-2) early in the first round. Following a lethal left hook to the head of his opponent, Spang unleashed a relentless attack that force Burrell down to the mat and the referee to halt the contest.

Preliminary fights aired live on SHOWTIME Extreme

STRIKEFORCE Lightweight Special Attraction – 3 Rounds

Isaac Vallie-Flagg (14-3-1) defeated JZ Cavalcante (16-4-1, 1 No Contest) by Split Decision. Scores were 29-28 twice for Vallie-Flagg and 29-28 for Cavalcante. 

STRIKEFORCE Light Heavyweight Special Attraction – 3 Rounds

In a terrific fight, undefeated up-and-coming Brazilian Carlos Inocente (6-0) battered and beat Virgil Zwicker (10-3) for three rounds to take a Unanimous Decision. Several times during the contest, Inocente had Zwicker in trouble—including after a flush head kick in the first round—but he could not finish the dogged veteran.  Inocente won by scores of 30-27 and 29-28 twice and looks to the move up the ranks in the STRIKEFORCE light heavyweight division.

STRIKEFORCE Light Heavyweight Special Attraction – 3 Rounds

Gian Villante (10-3) earned a hard fought Unanimous Decision by scores of 29-28 and 30-27 twice over Derrick Mehman (12-5).

STRIKEFORCE Welterweight Special Attraction – 3 Rounds

Quinn Mulhern (18-2) handed Yuri Villefort (6-1) his first loss with a Split Decision by scores of 30-27, 29-28 and 28-29. 

Mauro Ranallo called all the action alongside analysts Frank Shamrock and Pat Miletich withHeidi Androl serving as cageside reporter. The executive producer of SHOWTIME Sports is David Dinkins Jr.

For information on SHOWTIME Sports, including exclusive behind-the-scenes interviews from immediately after Saturday’s fights, plus highlights and photo galleries, please visit the website at http://sports.SHO.com.