Anyone else think that the new Vs. deal is a step towards

UFC and WEC combination events, and then later a complete merger?

I think its more of a way to get the WEC to get their own PPV's going and a way for the UFC to be on NBC.

Primetyme199 wrote:

I think its more of a way to get the WEC to get their own PPV's going and a way for the UFC to be on NBC.

I agree. I think this is a way for Zuffa to get WEC into the mainstream.

More PPV's from Zuffa? I like that we will see the UFC on VS, that's a good step. But unless the UFC puts out less PPV's Im against the WEC entering into the PPV fray. There is not a ton of WEC fights that I'd be willing to pay for anyways.

I honestly think the best move for the UFC is to make a Cruiserweight Division and tweak the other divisions so as to add another belt somewhere in the middle. They need more champions and while bringing the WEC would have that instant effect, it is not the same.

the merger will happen sooner than later.

This fictional NBC deal is still a long ways off, if it will ever happen(chances are : fuck no). This VS thing is obviously the next step toward the eventual merger, and this should be treated like the first step of the already reported merger.

No, the WEC will not be hosting PPVs all their own, and no this isn't some prep deal to get ready for NBC. An NBC deal would have to exist first, and before it existed it would have to be beyond Dana White rhetoric that has been said 10 times before and a bunch of speculation about the current NBC sale. Curb the silly talk men.

The UFC has probably already reached their PPV market saturation point. Too much more would actually hurt their model more than it would help it, but on the other hand; more main eventers to fill their already underfilled cards? That actually makes logical sense.

Say goodbye to tribal tat intros and front kicks from a set of opening angel wings. The merger is all but official.

Here's the thing with the future NBC deal. Comcast has just recently began purchasing NBC and Comcast already owns the VS channel. It's only going to be a matter of time before they are on NBC. Will it happen right away? No, but I'd be willing to bet it will happen.

Andrew the Raider King wrote:

I honestly think the best move for the UFC is to make a Cruiserweight Division and tweak the other divisions so as to add another belt somewhere in the middle. They need more champions and while bringing the WEC would have that instant effect, it is not the same.

The Athletic Commissions are the one's that would have to approve a new weight class or any tweaking of the weights.

I think at this point it's a little of both, maintian a strong relationship with Comcast and at the same time slowly start to merge the UFC and WEC, end game UFC and WEC combine and sign a deal to be on NBC.

What makes comcast more money, PPVS or a TV deal? Combat you got any insight?


Anyway I still think NBC's demands would stand as they were; they would want to be in control of the broadcast.

NBC still has huge deals with other sports and I really doubt a small time fight promotion like the UFC could get NBC to alter a policy which would have huge implications on future contracts with MLB, COLLEGE FOOTBALL, THE NBA, THE OLYMPICS AND THE NFL. The UFC isn't even in the same breath as those sports yet. You could sell the UFC to the highest bidder and not even be able to buy the Yankees or Cowboys alone.

Not sold on this NBC deal at all. Not even a little.

There won't be a deal until Dana gets what he wants, which may not be for years. It just helps that some things have fallen the way they have. Strikeforce on CBS doing well will help the UFC as other networks are going to want in on it to once they pull in the numbers steadily.

I think this will lead to a UFC WEC PPV think Urijah Faber on a UFC PPV something like that