I think HBO is more fitted for Pride. Heres why.

UFCFAN4lyfe · 03-02-2007, 07:59 PM

We all read the MMA weekly story about how HBO, IF they make a deal with the UFC wants full control over the product. UFC is declining that offer. (And rightfully so) The UFC is doing just fine with Spike TV. Promoting itself has surely snowballed X20 since 2004. The UFC has made great revenue over the last year and is only making MORE this year. (Going international even) Right now UFC calls the shots in the MMA world. I understand where HBO is coming from as far as why they dont agree with the UFC business model. First and foremost, the UFC doesnt cater to sports fans. For the most part they cater to the 18-30 male crowd. The MTV types. The reality show types. Dirt biking and off roading types (And last but certaintly not least, the Trendy types) UFC presents itself more like a limp bizkit music video, rather than a sporting event. The cage alone is a bad enough image. Now do you understand why HBO is skeptical about it being a fad? It has been marketed that way. (albeit working tremendously, but that isnt the point)

I believe this is the same reason, why not only HBO is doubtful about the UFC, but also ESPN. Now enter Pride. Pride back in 2005 was at it's pinnacle. (actually beating k1 as far as ratings were concerned) Then they lost the TV deal and have been taking on water since. Pride is desperate to get a new TV deal. I think Pride is willing to give up control in order to survive. I also believe with Pride's presentation (with some major tweaks) is more HBO friendly. Pride is covered on FSN which is major points. (FSN being a legit sports network) Pride also uses a ring which is much more traditional and eye friendly to the skeptics/boxing fans. Pride is also arguably the number 1 or number 2 best MMA organization in the world. Now I see big changes for Pride under new control. I dont see anymore non title fights. (which is a good thing) I also see them either firing the Pride announcer lady, or telling her to tone it down a notch. (No more shreiking) I think they'll keep the general production in tact though.

My thoughts are... Is that this will be a hail mary pass for Pride. Either sink or swim. (but what other options do they have?) I feel that with HBO backing them they could do great things. I believe that HBO can elevate Pride to be as BIG or Bigger than the UFC in the United States. Now you might think this is a bad thing, but it clearly is not. Once Pride becomes on the same level as the UFC. I think we'll see some inter promotional fights happening. Right now Pride cant hold a candle to the UFC. Dana is playing it smart and just waiting it out till the Pride fire extinguishes. (He's hoping for it) So for inter promotional fights to happen NOW, is just unrealistic.

Pain4Gain · 03-02-2007, 08:09 PM

I agree with you.

hbo brings world class boxing and they have legendary status on that sport with there production...if UFC was to go in there it would be a step down marketing wise ...they would have to change there marketing since HBO is markted towards mature adults not wild frat boys or teens.

UFC is a bit cheesy production wise I mean ufc already has a deal with spike and mytv and they fit them perfect and the young teens in jr high and highschool can watch them i mean that is the majority of the their demographic.

And HBO wants full control and Dana White is gonna have a tough time trying to dictate hbo because that channel brings far more revenue then ufc does and has been for so long...and they got boxing ppvs.

So dana white doesnt really have clout.

kckahippyndasac · 03-02-2007, 08:11 PM

I would love it if HBO picked up pride. And agree it would be better suited to boxing fans than the UFC.

wormed · 03-02-2007, 08:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by UFCFAN4lyfe

(which is a good thing) I also see them either firing the Pride announcer lady, or telling her to tone it down a notch. (No more shreiking) I think they'll keep the general production in tact though.

Why are idiots like you even allowed to post? Because the "Pride announcer lady" is such a brutal cut on their production that they'd need to fire her. Some people enjoy her announcing. Its better than boring, slurring Bruce Buffer. The flare she adds works with the overall production of Pride's events.

Shutup.

kckahippyndasac · 03-02-2007, 08:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wormed

Why are idiots like you even allowed to post? Because the "Pride announcer lady" is such a brutal cut on their production that they'd need to fire her. Some people enjoy her announcing. Its better than boring, slurring Bruce Buffer. The flare she adds works with the overall production of Pride's events.

Shutup.

Yeah I agree with you on this. She has been there from the start, and is huge in japan. I love at the start of the event when the pride theme is going and she is announcing all the fighters and where they are from.

andrewilbe · 03-02-2007, 08:14 PM

I highly doubt that HBO wants anything to do with a Japanese MMA promotion. Especially one with ties to the Yukusa.

pr0cs · 03-02-2007, 08:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wormed

Why are idiots like you even allowed to post? Because the "Pride announcer lady" is such a brutal cut on their production that they'd need to fire her. Some people enjoy her announcing. Its better than boring, slurring Bruce Buffer. The flare she adds works with the overall production of Pride's events.

Shutup.

I hope you're joking, the crazy bitch is horrible and possibly the worst part of Pride fights. I have to mute the TV during the events because she grates on my nerves so bad.

That kitsch may play well over in Japan but it's just damn annoying to me and makes the event come off as a low-key wrestling event instead of a serious fight event.

If anything HBO controlling Pride would be wise to remove the gaudy lame intros etc and just get down to the meat of the fighter introductions and fight content.

UFCFAN4lyfe · 03-02-2007, 08:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wormed

Why are idiots like you even allowed to post? Because the "Pride announcer lady" is such a brutal cut on their production that they'd need to fire her. Some people enjoy her announcing. Its better than boring, slurring Bruce Buffer. The flare she adds works with the overall production of Pride's events.

Shutup.

Listen, I took my friends to see Pride 33 live. (They've never seen a Pride event before EVER)... They couldnt stand the lady. To you and I, we love her. (rightfully so) BUT to someone who's never experienced Pride. She turns people off. Sorry. My friends werent the only one either. The people sitting behind me were like "shut up already".... trust me, it isnt very new fan friendly... but overall. They loved Pride more than UFC 66.

Pain4Gain · 03-02-2007, 08:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wormed

Why are idiots like you even allowed to post? Because the "Pride announcer lady" is such a brutal cut on their production that they'd need to fire her. Some people enjoy her announcing. Its better than boring, slurring Bruce Buffer. The flare she adds works with the overall production of Pride's events.

Shutup.

But HBO has final say and thats the thing Dana White doesnt like...I am guessing they will keep her to do the walk outs but for the fighter intros just before the fight they will use micheal buffer for american shows and maybe keep the japanese guy for the japan shows.

it would be kinda cool micheal buffer the best announcer doing pride mma and then bruce buffer doing ufc to be honest bruce is a horrible announcer this would make a sibling rivalry...

UFCFAN4lyfe · 03-02-2007, 08:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by andrewilbe

I highly doubt that HBO wants anything to do with a Japanese MMA promotion. Especially one with ties to the Yukusa.

I honestly think HBO can careless about what ties they have. Its much better to pick up a well known MMA org with a great stable of fighters than lets see.... an EXC where your biggest fighter is a has been Frank Shamrock.