Update on UFC and HBO/ESPN

by MMAmania.com on Apr 1, 2007 1:20 PM EDT Comment 12 comments

ufc on hbo and espn
For the past few months, talk have heated up about a looming deal between the UFC and HBO to broadcast mixed martial arts events on the cable television network.

In fact, UFC 70: Nations Collide was rumored to air on the premium channel. However, that April 21 event will now be aired for free on SpikeTV because negotiations have bogged down.

Variety.com — an entertainment-oriented news Web site — recently confirmed speculation that the reason behind the stalled talks is because HBO wants to keep the production distinct.

Here's a snip from HBO exec Chris Albrecht:

"We are talking to the UFC and looking at ways we can distinguish ourselves in that area ... if we decide to be in the mixed martial arts business, we'll make sure it's as distinctive as everything else HBO does."

Essentially, this means HBO prefers to bring in its own crew, which doesn't include ringside announcers Mike Goldberg and Joe Rogan, among others.

The deadlock seems like a rather small detail to hold up a monster deal that would benefit both parties big time.

I can see both sides of this argument: both want to ensure that their brands are preserved and upheld.

It is obvious that a compromise on the matter will need to be met — and soon — with other promotions and cable networks already taking the lead on mixed martial arts programming.

And according to the article, another sports and cable network titan, ESPN, is looking to "fishhook some rights" to UFC programming.

With SpikeTV already in the picture and performing well, I'm not really sure if that's a near-term possibility.

But, Friday Night UFC Fights has a nice ring to it.

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Comments

F*ck HBO. Let them have there dying boxing and let them keep there noses in the air. UFC should go with ESPN!

by Steven V on Apr 1, 2007 2:32 PM EDT reply actions

Wonder who they would get in place of Goldberg and Rogan

by Kiwi on Apr 1, 2007 5:22 PM EDT reply actions

False. UFC should definitely go with HBO. With HBO there won’t be any commercials bogging down the # of fights we get to see. Also, I trust HBO to cut out all the fluff more than I trust Zuffa. Just imagine watching an event and not having to see the next two events advertised 50 times.

by Mahde on Apr 1, 2007 6:43 PM EDT reply actions

The UFC needs to be careful that they don’t allow the $$$ to cloud their judgement and end up allowing HBO to alter the flavor of UFC events. I like the way the UFC presents their events on PPV, yeah, I could do with a few less promos and a few more fights, but as Dana said, the preliminary fights are for the “ass-in-the-seat” paying fans, the ones that paid the big bucks for admission to watch the full card, while those of us that only pay $39.99 (Canadian) get what we get. I don’t see that being any different if the HBO deal gets done, and I personally wouldn’t do it if HBO insists on putting their own crew in place. Give me Rogan, Couture and Goldie any day.

by HBO_Should_Stick_to_Boxing on Apr 1, 2007 7:48 PM EDT reply actions

I really wish they wouldn’t replace Joe Rogan and Mike Goldberg. No one else really knows the how to, or how to escape factor. What he says really does make a lot of difference in letting the audience know what exactly is going on. I wish it could be Joe, Mike, and Bas Rutten.

by AKA123 on Apr 1, 2007 9:51 PM EDT reply actions

HBO needs UFC more than UFC needs HBO. I hope there is no way UFC would allow HBO to hire the announcers. If HBO wants someone different they should allow Dana White to hire them. UFC is a brand product. How can HBO try to give it its own flavor to make it look like one of their productions. This is not like boxing. MMA has its own culture. HBO would really have to do this in a different way than it has its other events. I could handle Bas Rutten and Joe Rogan announcing for HBO. There is no way HBO’s boxing crew can call the fights.
I quit having fight parties so i can listen to Joe Rogan and I love to hear Randy Couture when he is in the mix. I am pissed when i cant hear. I guess I can have more people over for HBO fights if they hire some weak announcers.

by kb on Apr 1, 2007 10:46 PM EDT reply actions

HBO needs to realize that Rogan and Goldberg are the voice of MMA, i really can’t imagine watching a UFC PPV with out those two goofy fux…believe me im all for compromise, but there are simply some things you just don’t change…TACO BELL isn’t TACO BELL with out crappy tacos and the emediate case of diarea afterwards, LAS VEGAS isn’t LAS VEGAS with out cheap drinks and craps tables…and the UFC isn’t the UFC without Joe Rogan and Mike Goldberg over stating the obvious…that’s just how it works.

next thing you know HBO will want to do away with the gladiator intro…if that happens all hell is gunna break loose, i need that time to prepare jeagar bombs. GEEEESH!!!

will some one please put a stop to the madness!!!

by MR.MURDA on Apr 2, 2007 12:18 AM EDT reply actions

next thing you know HBO will want to do away with the gladiator intro…if that happens all hell is gunna break loose, i need that time to prepare jeagar bombs. GEEEESH!!!

Dude I could really do without the Gladiator intro. That is a whip to watch and specially since you have to watch it every fight!

by Bawana on Apr 2, 2007 9:25 AM EDT reply actions

Dude I could really do without the Gladiator intro. That is a whip to watch and specially since you have to watch it every fight!

That is the best intr EVER!!! If UFC ever took it away…..I’d……I’d……u get the point.That’s 1 of the first things i look foward 2 cing when a fight comes on!!!!!!

by ibread on Apr 2, 2007 11:33 AM EDT reply actions

I totally agree that the ufc needs to tread carefully here..don’t allow anyone to change your time tested proven program of success. However between hbo and spike…HBO all day. No commercials and High Definition fighting, a win win. Just don’t allow any of there tired boring commentators to take over, maybe allow one to stand in with Joe and Mike or help Randy and Mike when Joes elsewhere ect.

by Tommy on Apr 2, 2007 11:54 AM EDT reply actions

I think Rogan may be expendable, but Mike Goldberg definately is NOT! Everyone is after this guy… Vince MacMahon went apeshit for him, Goldberg was firm in the stance that he wanted to work only with UFC and the College Football Program that he works with. The guy is great and is absolutely one of the best sporting play by play announcers in any sport right now. Period.

Would not be a smart thing for HBO to take steps in that direction, look how wonderful Football Night in America went under their tutaliage.

by Luppers on Apr 2, 2007 12:19 PM EDT reply actions

Mike and Joe r the SHIT! U guys remember the old UFC’s….what crappy commentating…..but i guess 4 crappy fighting it wasn’t that bad.I miss Jim Brown’s comments. “I just saw swinging!”—-J. Brown

by ibread on Apr 2, 2007 3:37 PM EDT reply actions