UFC Announcement Speculation Thread (23 Merged Threads)

[Brian Akers]

I think someone needs to keep all the info in one place...

1 - Dana said it was NOT a TV deal

2 - Dana is gathering "All" his employees

3 - Dana said it will "Effect the MMA world for the next 5 years"

4 - Dana said it is "Out of left field"

5 - Dana said "Already signed the deal."

6 - Dana at 06/10 Presser:

"Debunked rumors included the possibility of boxer Floyd Mayweather joining the organization; World Wrestling Entertainment partnering with the UFC in any capacity (including ownership and merchandising); the UFC appearing on FOX, ABC or another network; and the UFC possibly going public. White said none of them were true."

7 - MMA Junkie: "Regardless of today's minor announcement, the UFC is still expected to make a major announcement on Thursday."


(I will add to this list if more info is presented FRM ZUFFA and a source is provided.)

Some ideas that I have had or read that I think would justify all 4 of the above points:

- Zuffa plans to re-start "PRIDE WORLDWIDE"

- Zuffa plans to open the doors to co-promoting specific fights. Possible Couture vs Fedor

- Zuffa has gained some level of Athletic Based Sponsorship like Nike/Reebok

- Zuffa is holding an event in a new portion of the world

- Zuffa will be allowing it;s champions to be challenged by outside champions

- Dana white is taking on a new role and/or a new president (foreign or Domestic) is being named

- Zuffa has purchased/merged/partnered with another organization (Possibly Affliction)

- Zuffa sold the company, Dana to remain president under new ownership

- WEC Merger with UFC under Zuffa (or new) umbrealla

- HBO 5 year deal (only because "Cable" and "Television" could be taken as 2 different venues.)

(Any idea's that fall within the boundaries of "what we know" will be added and any new facts that eliminate any one of the idea's it will be removed.)

So...

Dana is doing a GREAT job of marketing this thing. I only hope he delivers the goods.

There has to be more... But the part that throws me is this "Left Field" stuff... All the things I mentioned are at least remotely down the pipe of the norm so... I guess I am just excited to hear what it is and trying not to be TOO excited at the same time.

[yomarktex]

nice summary

[dredd57]

Its a tv deal. Remember Dana said they didn't buy Pride a few days before it was announced. He's probably BSing about it not being a tv deal. They're probably announcing a card in Atlanta that will be broadcast on FOX or ABC.

[dredd57]

Originally Posted by Brian Akers

[size="5"]
- Zuffa plans to re-start "PRIDE WORLDWIDE"

- Zuffa is partnering with someone or some organization

- Zuffa is adopting of an adjusted rule change or new "Standard" for MMA competition

- Zuffa plans to open the doors to co-promoting specific fights. Possible Couture vs Fedor

- Zuffa has gained some level of Athletic Based Sponsorship like Nike/Rebock

- Zuffa is holding an event in a new portion of the world

- Zuffa will be allowing it;s champions to be challenged by outside champions

Pride is dead, the company was in horrible shape and the entire staff was laid off. The UFC has WEC, and they could care less about Pride.

A rule change is a possibility, but I don't think Dana would make such a big deal of it if it was a rule change.

The UFC/Dana will NEVER EVER co-promote ever again. Mark my words on this, right now they are the biggest and they only stand to LOSE from co-promoting because they'd be helping their compeitition.

A new sponsor is a possibility, but again, seems to minor for such a big announcement.

Very big chance they are announcing expansion to other parts of the world, but I think that would only be a small part of the announcement.

No way UFC champions will ever fight outside champions.

[Axl F'N Rose]

I'm starting to think if they got a Japanese TV deal that Pride may be restarted.

Good post by the way.

[chengy]

Thanks..much easier to read than those stupid articles of speculation. Short and to the point .

[method115]

Originally Posted by dredd57

Its a tv deal. Remember Dana said they didn't buy Pride a few days before it was announced. He's probably BSing about it not being a tv deal. They're probably announcing a card in Atlanta that will be broadcast on FOX or ABC.

Yea I'm glad you told me that cause I never knew he lied about it, we will see what happens. I'm not speculating anymore I just want to see what happens.

[Combmosove]

Zuffa is adopting of an adjusted rule change or new "Standard" for MMA competition

Zuffa doesnt have the power to do this so you can take it off. Im sure they can give there 2 cents but the Althetic Commession can only do such a thing

[juggo]

Originally Posted by dredd57

Its a tv deal. Remember Dana said they didn't buy Pride a few days before it was announced. He's probably BSing about it not being a tv deal. They're probably announcing a card in Atlanta that will be broadcast on FOX or ABC.

I hope you're right.

A TV deal makes the most sense and is the most obvious thing to speculate.

[Dunwich]

Here's another senario for Dana's big news... That he is stepping down as the public face of the UFC so he can concentrate on expanding American venues through legislation as well as concentrate on UFC's expansion overseas. He will retain a senior advisory role so that he can continue to help steer the future of the UFC, but his public appearance duties will now be handled by the new UFC spokesman.

Senario 2:

The UFC has hired another spokesman to head the European expansion of Zuffa and the UFC's interests overseas. This will allow Dana to concentrate on North American markets as well as recruitment of fighters, while his co-spokesman will do the same in Europe.