UFC 82, 83 PPV estimates

[smoogy]

Latest UFC Pay-per-view Estimates

According to the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, UFC 83, which featured Georges St. Pierre v. Matt Serra, drew 525,000 buys based on the first industry estimate of the event. Early estimates typically rise as more numbers come in and the event is reportedly tracking ahead of both of Randy Couture's fights from last year which did 540,000 and 520,000 respectively.

Based on that estimate the event is the seventh largest drawing pay-per-view in company history in terms of number of buys. The event will rank higher in pure revenue terms thanks to an increased price tag.

Many sources relying on google trends and other internet traffic based methods of predicting pay-per-view buys had predicted that the event would come in average to below. Based on the strong storytelling behind GSP-Serra and anecdotal evidence, MMAPayout.com correctly predicated that the event would surprise to the upside. MMAPayout.com has since learned that the highly praised Countdown show for the event drew an above average 782,000 viewers.

UFC 82 did not fare so well according to the Wrestling Observer. The event featuring Anderson Silva v. Dan Henderson for the unified Middleweight Championship appears to be in the range of Silva's last fight at UFC 77 which drew a disappointing 325,000 buys. Silva's inability to break through as a top draw has to be a source of frustration for both sides and is likely a large part of the dominant fighter's desire to box Roy Jones Jr. (along with a guaranteed mid seven figure payday).

MMAPayout.com: The Business of MMA: Latest UFC Pay-per-view Estimates

In my opinion they didn't do a great job of promoting UFC 82 so I wouldn't jump to the conclusion that Anderson isn't a big draw, but thats just me

[kc56]

Originally Posted by smoogy

MMAPayout.com: The Business of MMA: Latest UFC Pay-per-view Estimates

In my opinion they didn't do a great job of promoting UFC 82 so I wouldn't jump to the conclusion that Anderson isn't a big draw, but thats just me

I would agree. I don't think that they really played up Henderson and his ability to (in theory) win that fight.

Interesting to see the good numbers and that their may in fact be life after Randy for the UFC and PPV #s.

[ILJO]

thats pretty interesting.

I was way more pumped to see Silva-Hendo than GSP-Serra. But its pretty understandable seeing as how they hyped 83 waaay more

[lilp86]

Like I said in another thread I dont think Anderson is that big of a draw at this point is because the american fans dont relate to him well because he doesnt speak english. It should be all about the fights in which case Anderson would be a huge draw hes never in a dull fight but it boils down to the fact tha its hard to market a guy to fans who has to speak through a translator as stupid as that is

[Dimson]

I think if he made more of attempt to speak English on a regualar basis he would become more popular. Hell even Matt Hammil talks in all his interviews and he is deaf. Also if the UFC promoted his fights a little heavier and did more leading up to his fights he would have more buys.

[kalebarker]

Originally Posted by lilp86

It should be all about the fights in which case Anderson would be a huge draw hes never in a dull fight but it boils down to the fact tha its hard to market a guy to fans who has to speak through a translator as stupid as that is

I agree which is screwed up considering Chuck has less charisma in his interviews then Silva does through a translator.

[mmasince91]

Pretty interesting stuff! Thank you
I think Anderson is a huge draw a few more big wins and this guy is going to be mythical...

[Clint]

I think a big part of Silva's numbers is that Henderson isn't that much of a draw. He needs built up to the fans more.

Give him more push and exposure and Anderson will be a star, English or not. In the end people tune in for fights not interviews, so as long as Anderson is kicking ass he will start drawing fans given a push.

[hunterkiller]

I think the language barrier is a major factor to the casual fans. You have to be able to give them more than just a fight. Anderson's PPVs haven't been as big when he isn't fighting Franklin.

[ninjastix]

Originally Posted by Clint

I think a big part of Silva's numbers is that Henderson isn't that much of a draw. He needs built up to the fans more.
.

Yeah you beat me to it. On one hand I'm not exactly a fan of "gimme" fights. But Henderson needed to be re-introduced to the American UFC fans, he should have had a fight before he fought Rampage, and had the result been the same in that fight, he should of had a buffer fight at Middleweight.

That would have gone much further to hyping that fight had he had a chance to finish someone at 185 before he fought Silva.