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Bud Light to sponsor UFC

Bud Light to sponsor UFC
Bye-bye, Mickey.

Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) today announced during the UFC 82: "Pride of a Champion" pre-fight press conference that Bud Light will become the exclusive beer sponsor of the promotion, beginning with UFC 84: "Ill Will" on Saturday, May 24.

It's a three-year deal that will also include the Zuffa-owned World Extreme Cagefighting (WEC) promotion.

Here's a snip from UFC President Dana White:

"Landing Anheuser-Busch and Bud Light is huge for us, our fighters and especially our fans. We've got the number one selling beer in the world and one of the top marketers in all of sports as our sponsor. If our TV ratings, pay-per-view buys and venue sell-outs weren't enough, this definitely cements UFC as a major player in sports business."

Bud Light signage will soon appear on the Octagon center mat, as well as on its vertical bumpers. It was prime real estate that the most recent large sponsor, Harley Davidson, recently had locked up.

There was no reference in the release about how the two sponsors will co-exist; however, it's safe to say that the motorcycle brand will take sidecar position alongside such a blue chip backer like Bud Light.

In addition, this latest news more or less means — even though it wasn't uttered — that Mickey's Fine Malt Liquor will cease be the official beer of the UFC.

Under terms of the agreement, the release indicates that Bud Light signage inside the Octagon will be present for each of the UFC's 10 or more annual pay-per-view (PPV) events. In addition, the sponsor will be featured prominently during UFC press conferences and weigh-in events.

Lastly, according to the report, Bud Light will be the presenting sponsor of two UFC PPV events each year during the agreement and serve as the official beer sponsor of the four or more UFC Fight Night SpikeTV special events.

To read the official announcement head over to UFC.com.

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Damn, that’s it?!

by MwM on Feb 28, 2008 1:35 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

I am going to buy a 12 pack of Bud light right now just to show my support for those who support the UFC!

by Jared on Feb 28, 2008 1:37 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

expected a much more exciting announcement

by the real deal on Feb 28, 2008 1:37 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

ehh, miller light is better.

by Parisyan Sucks on Feb 28, 2008 1:38 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

meh, all lite beer sucks.

by kitsunex on Feb 28, 2008 1:39 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

Now Chuck’s beer belly is going to be HUGE!!

by Big Russ on Feb 28, 2008 1:39 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

dont start a beer debate, it will never end

by dotnet on Feb 28, 2008 1:39 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

So I guess we’ll still have to wait for the Randy-Fedor fight

by Patrick on Feb 28, 2008 1:40 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

thats good for dana thets see if it trnalates into being better for the fighters and fans.with more money coming in know they should be able to sign the fighters they did not want to pay.

by roy on Feb 28, 2008 1:40 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

WHATTTT???? Ummmmmm congrats to the UFC and and all but that really isnt that great of an announcement for the fans. Sure boxing was always sponsored by “The king of beers” which now shows how much MMA is taking over…but im sure everyone is gonna be let down on this overly hyped announcement.

by UFC LOVA!!!!!! on Feb 28, 2008 1:42 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

I guess I should know better, Dana’s idea of a “special announcement” has been disappointing many times before, I don’t know why I was expecting something decent this time. When they said he would be joined by a “special guest” I thought it would be to announce a new signing. :(

by Ballam on Feb 28, 2008 1:42 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

A beer sponsor? that’s it? UFC the fans don’t give a sh*t about sponsors.

by RAZE on Feb 28, 2008 1:43 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

So who was the special guest???

by ChainLink on Feb 28, 2008 1:44 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

good job mania! that was fast. you beat everyone else to the punch. this isn,t as big as elitexc/cbs but its not bad either. im sure that elitexc will get some main sponsers being on cbs so the ufc still has to step it up a notch. i agree w/ roy that the ufc had better start signing guys and paying more money to keep them.

by b.w. on Feb 28, 2008 1:45 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

I was wondering when a big name company was going to get smart and sponsor the UFC. People shouldn’t brush this off, its actually a big deal. On another note, since CBS has elite xc the UFC should try to get some prime time on FOX. Seems like a good fit to me.

by riverhorror on Feb 28, 2008 1:45 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

Who cares?

by Matt A on Feb 28, 2008 1:46 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

Dana White is really starting to piss me off………BEER sponsors give me a break!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

by Bruce on Feb 28, 2008 1:47 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

i wonder if we will being seeing bud-lite commercials w/ lidell or rampage or any other of the big names?

by b.w. on Feb 28, 2008 1:48 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

thats the big deal wow what a let down,,byt he way i dont care what elite xc is on it stil cant carry the ufc jock and it never will

by chuckisover-rated on Feb 28, 2008 1:49 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

So who was the special guest???

it was mark coleman theu are putting him in the hall of fame

by roy on Feb 28, 2008 1:49 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!! Dude, the only reason I logged on right now was to hear the big news, and what do I get… Dana gets a new big sponsor. I am flabergasted! this is like the 4th time he had a crappy “Big Announcement”.

Big Announcements should be reserved for what the UFC will do for us fans, not that Dana just made more money. I love the UFC, and I am thrilled to see it grow, but in all honesty, I could care less. There logo is going to probably take over UFC events to the point where I am sick of seeing it anyway. This just announces the beginning of all that.

What a crappy event. At worst, I thought they were going to announce that UFC 85 will be free on Spike, at best the signing of a new top fighter or even better…ammending its realationship with Couture (but I knew that wouldn’t happen).

What a crappy Big Announcement! LAME!

I guess its better than Micky’s….right?

by john on Feb 28, 2008 1:51 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

And how is this announcement supposed to overshadow the fact that a sub-par league just beat out the UFC for the first network television deal?

by GoColts on Feb 28, 2008 1:51 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

EVerybody all together now WHO CARES !

DAna Don’t make anymore stupid announcements like that especially on a day when your biggest rival just landed on CBS Saturday Nights.

by Ktown on Feb 28, 2008 1:51 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

Good for the UFC. That is a great sponsorship. In their honor I will drink a 12 pack of Bud Light tonight. I was planning on doing that anyway but that’s besides the point.

Beer and fighting, possib;y my two favorite things in the winter.

by DonnyG on Feb 28, 2008 1:51 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

Who gives a shit seriously

by pete on Feb 28, 2008 1:52 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

Nuthooks!!!

by koopa on Feb 28, 2008 1:53 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

what a let down, i was hoping for something like a new singing or free U.K show.but i guess its pretty good to have good sponsorship like bud lite,even though canadian beer rules,light beer sucks

by the levi on Feb 28, 2008 2:01 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

All Right Beer and Motorcycles what more does MMA need? Hmm what happens if you put them together?

by dandeman on Feb 28, 2008 2:03 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

I think this is bigger than EliteXC/CBS. I don’t think EliteXC can do much on CBS since no one knows of them and they don’t have any “Liddell-status” marquee guys. This shows that the UFC can land big sponsors and make some money on this. Either way, its better than that horse-urine Mickey’s they had.

by EaZyE on Feb 28, 2008 2:03 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

And how is this announcement supposed to overshadow the fact that a sub-par league just beat out the UFC for the first network television deal?

beat out huh? we don’t knwo that is the case. all i’ve seen is that the UFC didn’t want to give up creative control, which i’m fine with, because who knows how far that loss of creative control would have gone. for all we know, if the UFC had signed with CBS, the execs at CBS could have turned around and said “you know, we have young viewers and we don’t want them to be exposed to bloodshed, so we want elbows ruled illegal, since they cause cuts.” whereas EliteXC was probably willing to do whatever CBS wanted because in the short term it will benefit them, it remains to be seen wether that will also be the case in the long term.

by kitsunex on Feb 28, 2008 2:06 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

i would love to see the ufc sign a sponsership agreement w/ a major sporting appareal co. like nike or addidas. that would be huge.

by b.w. on Feb 28, 2008 2:07 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

I think this is bigger than EliteXC/CBS. I don’t think EliteXC can do much on CBS since no one knows of them and they don’t have any “Liddell-status” marquee guys. This shows that the UFC can land big sponsors and make some money on this. Either way, its better than that horse-urine Mickey’s they had.

you should look at there roster they got a few top guys, no where near as deep as the ufc but they due have a few marquee names and have been getting more with more to come i am sure.how is a sponser announcement bigger than free mma on network television.

by roy on Feb 28, 2008 2:08 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

I know everyone is disappointed, but think of positives from a huge sponer like Anheuser-Busch. The money from a big sponsorship deal like this will provide the UFC with more money to allow the UFC to retain some more of their fighters. Also, I think this opens the door for some more big time sponsors in the future. This is good news. I still think we’ll be hearing from Dana soon about a TV deal.

by Andy on Feb 28, 2008 2:09 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

Dissapointment is and understatement….BOOOOOOOO is correct

by XxXFactor on Feb 28, 2008 2:10 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

You guys don’t see the big picture do you? Just yesterday I was talking about what the UFC needed to do to really hit the mainstream. It was land the big sponsors (which they just did) and get a network TV deal to get off of PPV. Once they get on CBS or NBC there will be no stopping this thing. What type of announcement were you hoping for? This is some serious news! The UFC just took another step to being as mainstream as mainstream gets.

by Anthony on Feb 28, 2008 2:11 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

the most awful mass-produced, mass-marketed beer in the known world. three cheers for the UFC.

by Clayton on Feb 28, 2008 2:13 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

beat out huh? we don’t knwo that is the case. all i’ve seen is that the UFC didn’t want to give up creative control, which i’m fine with, because who knows how far that loss of creative control would have gone. for all we know, if the UFC had signed with CBS, the execs at CBS could have turned around and said “you know, we have young viewers and we don’t want them to be exposed to bloodshed, so we want elbows ruled illegal, since they cause cuts.” whereas EliteXC was probably willing to do whatever CBS wanted because in the short term it will benefit them, it remains to be seen wether that will also be the case in the long term.

cbs can’t change the rules of mma it would be the athletic commision.your just speculating now so wait and see what happens before you start bashing.

by roy on Feb 28, 2008 2:14 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

Well, after going on UFC.com it said they were making a “Special” Announcement. So, after seeing that, I knew it wouldn’t be something like a new fighter signing.

As for the news, I think it’s pretty cool. I hope Budweiser makes a commercial that incorporates both Bud, and the UFC.

by R-Dizzle on Feb 28, 2008 2:14 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

i guess cbs like freak shows such as tank abbot and kimbo.

by matt on Feb 28, 2008 2:15 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

i think alot of people are dissappointed with this announcement because it really isnt new news. this has been rumoured for awhile now. im sure evan tanner is estatic! haha

by b.w. on Feb 28, 2008 2:15 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

Wow!! Bud Light to sponsor the UFC, this really is excellent news, congrats to Dana and his team

by Robbo on Feb 28, 2008 2:22 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

MAJOR ANNOUNCEMENT ? HOW CAN I EXPRESS HOW LITTLE I GIVE A SHIT ABOUT ANY OF THE UFC’S SPONSORS. BUD LITE IS PISSWATER ANYWAY- ARE THE PPV’S GOING TO GO BACK TO $39.95 NOW AFTER THIS MAJOR BUSINESS DEAL? YOU REALLY UPSTAGED ELITEXC WITH THIS “MAJOR ANNOUNCEMENT” FUCK YOU DANA WHITE!!!

by JEFF THE DRUNK on Feb 28, 2008 2:22 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

Haha I never thought about what the advertisement of beer at the work place of a recovering alcoholic could be considered by a labour union, oh wait they don’t have a union.

Poor Evan Tanner :(

by DirtyML on Feb 28, 2008 2:25 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

UFC landed Bud Lite – Now everyone can stop talking about the EliteXC TV Deal….Shhhhh Dana is delusionaal. Don’t get me wrong, landing a big sponsor is great for UFC the business….by why do I care!?

As far as this giving the UFC enough $$ to sign fighters, that’s a joke! The UFC is basically printing money. Look at what they bring in from a PPV vs what they pay out. They’ve had the money to sign the fighters they want. That is the guys that don’t rub Dana the wrong way.

by TonyDrip on Feb 28, 2008 2:26 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

cbs can’t change the rules of mma it would be the athletic commision.your just speculating now so wait and see what happens before you start bashing.

if you believe that, i have a bridge i’d like to sell you to go along with some land in florida.

by kitsunex on Feb 28, 2008 2:27 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

Alexander Keiths is the beer guys.
Once the americans got thier hands on it they would be tossing the watered down skunk juice away.

I think a big sponser like pepsi/coke would have been better.

Nike or Adidas would have been good too. But I guess those two are just with mainstream sports…

Technology is a good one to, think if sony sponsored it!!!

Is Bud getting rid of its ties to boxing? Didnt it used to be the big sponser?

I can just imagine the house on TUF now with nothing but Bud in the place…

by Yikes on Feb 28, 2008 2:32 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

if you believe that, i have a bridge i’d like to sell you to go along with some land in florida.

please explain to me how cbs can change the rules this is a sport and i don’t see them editing anything with the fights themselves maybe the production and thats it.

by roy on Feb 28, 2008 2:37 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

I’m sorry but that chic on the left is like the hottest thing ever.

by EdenMachine on Feb 28, 2008 2:40 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

I’m sorry but that chic on the left is like the hottest thing ever.

Can someone track down her name for me?

by EdenMachine on Feb 28, 2008 2:42 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

please explain to me how cbs can change the rules this is a sport and i don’t see them editing anything with the fights themselves maybe the production and thats it.

easy, they say “we want these rules changes or we won’t show you on TV.”

you act like rules can’t be changed, but they can. look at teh IFL, they don’t allow elbows and i dont’ see athletic commissions telling them they can’t do that. the athletic commission rules are the minimum required for the safety of the fighters, an organization can impose stricter rules, as has been shown by teh IFL.

by kitsunex on Feb 28, 2008 2:43 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

easy, they say “we want these rules changes or we won’t show you on TV.”

you act like rules can’t be changed, but they can. look at teh IFL, they don’t allow elbows and i dont’ see athletic commissions telling them they can’t do that. the athletic commission rules are the minimum required for the safety of the fighters, an organization can impose stricter rules, as has been shown by teh IFL.

so fox told them they can’t use elbows or did the ifl say that do you know.again this is all speculation there has not been one thing to say they are not going to allow elbows or anthing else,if you know for a fact different then let us know or are you just bashing before you know the facts.

by roy on Feb 28, 2008 2:53 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

And this is news to the fans because… This is news that could have gone unannounced seeing that it is going to be plastered all over the ocatgon and when we pay for a PPV we will see about a dozen budweiser commercials.

This has zero impact on the MMA fan, it only impacts Dana and the Fertitas pockets.

The only way that this would impact the fans is if they got such a good sponsorship deal that they were able to lower the price of the PPV for the fans. Oh wait, but didn’t they just RAISE the price…

by ViolentMike on Feb 28, 2008 2:53 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

First, the special guest was Spuds! (Okay, only a joke those of us over 28 will get).

Second, yes, Bud Light is a pisswater light beer.

Third (and most important), are the financial agreements of this deal available anywhere? Zuffa is a private company and doesn’t need to make this info public. Bud Light on the other hand is a public company so I’m sure this info is out there somewhere. Many people on here seem to think that this will allow Zuffa to pay better/sign more fighters or even return the PPV price to $39.95 (not likely). However, with no known financials this is all speculation at best. Furthermore, I read an article on MMAWeekly about how Zuffa is operating on $325 million of debt. Dana and the Fertteti brothers are still making money through dividends (the brotehrs own 90%, and Dna 10%). The article went on to say that with the current operating costs of the UFC, Zuffa (if publicly traded) would be at or under junk bond status. I will try to fing the article and link it. All that being said, this better be a sweet financial deal for Zuffa.

by Jeff on Feb 28, 2008 2:54 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

easy, they say “we want these rules changes or we won’t show you on TV.”

you act like rules can’t be changed, but they can. look at teh IFL, they don’t allow elbows and i dont’ see athletic commissions telling them they can’t do that. the athletic commission rules are the minimum required for the safety of the fighters, an organization can impose stricter rules, as has been shown by teh IFL.

from the ifl website
Why We’re Different

The IFL is committed to bringing the true sporting nature of MMA to the forefront of the sports world. To promote the best, most exciting, and fairest matches possible, we’ve outlawed the use of such techniques as elbow strikes to the head, which commonly result in fight ending cuts before the outcome has been legitimately decided by the fighters.
The IFL rules also prohibit: kicking the head of a downed opponent, head-butting, groin strikes, eye-gouging, strikes to the spine or back of the head, and other techniques deemed needlessly brutal or dishonorable.

Because of our team format, every match in the IFL is meaningful. Not only is the fate of each team at stake with every match, every fighter is also competing for individual honors and a spot in the year-end Grand Prix-style tournament in each weight class. You’ll see no “filler” matches in the IFL. We are committed to providing our fans with the best in MMA action, featuring the top fighters and coaches from all over the world.

the ifl chose not to use elbows not fox.

by roy on Feb 28, 2008 2:58 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

You guys don’t see the big picture do you? Just yesterday I was talking about what the UFC needed to do to really hit the mainstream. It was land the big sponsors (which they just did) and get a network TV deal to get off of PPV. Once they get on CBS or NBC there will be no stopping this thing. What type of announcement were you hoping for? This is some serious news! The UFC just took another step to being as mainstream as mainstream gets.

no doubt it’s amazing for the UFC and its growth but the hype he put around the ‘big announcement’ was crap and dissapointing!! so read the comments carefully next time as we’re bashing how it was brought up and basically we all felt misleaded..

by XxXFactor on Feb 28, 2008 3:12 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

The UFC and the Fans got shafted on this new sponsor. Once again this only seemed to work out in Chucks favor ;)

by Mike on Feb 28, 2008 3:16 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

nothin better than some bud lights and people fighting

by dcsoldier187 on Feb 28, 2008 3:17 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

Dana promising big sponsers months ago was the only promise that came out of his mouth that actually materialized

Heres his other promises that was all talk and never panned out.
1) We will stike a deal with HBO before the end of 2007
2) we are working on a deal with a major cable network and should have a deal soon.
3) We will have fedor by the end of the year

The one promise he was able to keep bennifits himself more than the fans.

by dia mette on Feb 28, 2008 3:18 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

MAJOR ANNOUNCEMENT ? HOW CAN I EXPRESS HOW LITTLE I GIVE A SHIT ABOUT ANY OF THE UFC’S SPONSORS. BUD LITE IS PISSWATER ANYWAY- ARE THE PPV’S GOING TO GO BACK TO $39.95 NOW AFTER THIS MAJOR BUSINESS DEAL? YOU REALLY UPSTAGED ELITEXC WITH THIS “MAJOR ANNOUNCEMENT” FUCK YOU DANA WHITE!!!

this has to be the funniest comment ive read on this site…. and the dudes name tops it off lol

by PATRICK on Feb 28, 2008 3:20 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

beat out huh? we don’t knwo that is the case. all i’ve seen is that the UFC didn’t want to give up creative control, which i’m fine with, because who knows how far that loss of creative control would have gone. for all we know, if the UFC had signed with CBS, the execs at CBS could have turned around and said “you know, we have young viewers and we don’t want them to be exposed to bloodshed, so we want elbows ruled illegal, since they cause cuts.” whereas EliteXC was probably willing to do whatever CBS wanted because in the short term it will benefit them, it remains to be seen wether that will also be the case in the long term.

How would you feel if they removed elbows and reinstated knees and kicks in all positions,

by dia mette on Feb 28, 2008 3:20 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

An extremely weak and pitiful announcement and a feeble attempt to make “a MAJOR announcement” and gain attention in the wake of the EliteXC-CBS bombshell.

Don’t get me wrong, still a HUGE fan of the UFC and the product they present. By far the best, and most promotion out there. I just expected much, much more than a crappy beer endorsement.

by HB Beach Bum on Feb 28, 2008 3:22 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

dont start a beer debate, it will never end

Clearly, Yuengling or Samuel Adams is the “King” of domestic beers.
Also, this is pretty big. Having Budweiser as a sponsor not only helps the UFC pay the bills, but is symbolic of its growth.

by Mahde on Feb 28, 2008 3:23 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

Ignominious fail.

by Wenenus on Feb 28, 2008 3:24 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

this is a very big deal to the ufc but not to us fans…and as far as that joke elite xc on cbs wow did cbs screw up who cares about those bums over there they are there cause they cant make it in the ufc,,,that goes for all the other federations the only fighter we need bak to the ufc is mr.diaz so the diaz bros can cause hell over the ufc…i say we trade over-rated chuck for him

by chuckisover-rated on Feb 28, 2008 3:24 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

The next step for the UFC is clearly to make a deal to get on network TV ASAP.

With the major sponsor of Bud on board, and CBS taking eliteXC, I think one of the networks and Zuffa will come to terms.

If you put UFC on another prime network against the eliteXC offering and make sure you put up good cards, I dont think elite will pull the ratings to survive, given the competition..

Interesting times.

by Scott on Feb 28, 2008 3:26 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

I find this to be cool since I start my new job for Del Papa Budweiser distribution tomorrow.

by c-war on Feb 28, 2008 3:30 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

This deal is nice but it pales in comparison to the XC/CBS deal. Besides, what if because of the CBS deal, XC is able to land a better beer sponsor? “Mickey’s, the only beer good enough for Tank Abbott to drink before and after he fights.”

by A Lynch on Feb 28, 2008 3:36 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

great announcement Dana, you fuck!

by the_mexicutioner on Feb 28, 2008 3:36 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

guys give the man a break….hes fuckin up let him make his own mistakes

by PATRICK on Feb 28, 2008 4:03 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

I agree with everyone who said bud light is piss water, but that doesn’t change that this means the sport is getting HUGE even in the mainstream.

With that said, I’m going to grab a Sierra Nevada Pale Ale.

by Fidel Cashflow on Feb 28, 2008 4:05 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

from the ifl website
Why We’re Different

The IFL is committed to bringing the true sporting nature of MMA to the forefront of the sports world. To promote the best, most exciting, and fairest matches possible, we’ve outlawed the use of such techniques as elbow strikes to the head, which commonly result in fight ending cuts before the outcome has been legitimately decided by the fighters.
The IFL rules also prohibit: kicking the head of a downed opponent, head-butting, groin strikes, eye-gouging, strikes to the spine or back of the head, and other techniques deemed needlessly brutal or dishonorable.

Because of our team format, every match in the IFL is meaningful. Not only is the fate of each team at stake with every match, every fighter is also competing for individual honors and a spot in the year-end Grand Prix-style tournament in each weight class. You’ll see no “filler” matches in the IFL. We are committed to providing our fans with the best in MMA action, featuring the top fighters and coaches from all over the world.

the ifl chose not to use elbows not fox.

You need to work on your reading comprehension. i never at any time said that fox forced the ifl to do that, and i never said CBS did. i was SPECULATING as to waht the possible “creative differences” were between cbs and the ufc that caused the deal to fall through. that cbs COULD HAVE said something like no elbows and the ufc was like “well those aren’t our rules and we don’t want to change them to please you.” so they told cbs to get bent. the only reason i mentioned the ifl is because you seemed to think that the athletic commission decided on rules and everyone had to follow them and i was using the IFL as an example of an organization that does use different rules. Yes they did it because they wanted to, but that isn’t to say that CBS couldn’t turn around and try to force those same rules on the UFC or EliteXC so long as the fights are shown on their network.

by kitsunex on Feb 28, 2008 4:08 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

Dana White is really starting to piss me off………BEER sponsors give me a break!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

haha, what u never heard of anything sponsored by beer

by keystone on Feb 28, 2008 4:18 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

I have some very interesting intel that I would like to share with the people who are considering wagering money on the Kongo vs. hearing Fight!

I have followed Kongo’s whole UFC career, but before the UFC I was unfamiliar with him. So I have been watching some film on Kongo prior to signing with the UFC and I have found out some interesting aspects of his game that are better than most people think.

I am going to provide a link for a fight back in 2004 between Kongo vs. Gilbert Yvel. This was a very hard fought fight in which Kongo displayed skills I did not know he had:

1. Kongo had some wonderful submission defense. Yvel is No submission wizard but Kongo was able to escape all kinds of submissions including Triangle chokes, ankle locks, arm bars.

2. Kongo actually had some good submission attempts of his own: Ankle locks and a key lock.

3. Kongo has talked baout his wrestling but we always laugh at him. It is better then he has showed. His ground and pound was decent.

Ultimately Kongo lost this fight but it opened my eyes about some skills Kongo has that I thought he lacked. Even if you arent going to bet on the Kongo/Hearing fight, watch this video anyway because it was one hell of an exciting heavyweight fight and the only reason Kongo lost was cause of conditioning.

Check it out: http://www.myvideofight.com/video/k-1/k-1-2004-cheick-kongo-vs-gilbert-yvel/index.html

by john on Feb 28, 2008 4:22 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

The EliteXC announces a major TV deal and Dana White announces a beer sponsor. That’s the big announcement?

I hope Anhesuer Busch throws the UFC truck loads of money or something along those lines, otherwise this is not important.

by Dana White's Latest Blunder on Feb 28, 2008 4:29 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

go anheiser-busch
im from mizzou so that fuken rox

by james c on Feb 28, 2008 4:34 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

I’m a new mma fan, only just watched my first ufc event with ufc81. I think this is major news, well done to Dana White and his team. I’m sure this is the first of many exciting things to happen this year. Why is there so much negativity regarding this announcement?

by Robbo on Feb 28, 2008 4:36 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

Will the fighters be allowed to sip a can of Bud in the octogon a-la Xyience Xenergy?

by Adam on Feb 28, 2008 4:38 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

two reasons this deal is great:
1. This is going to bring alot of money to the ufc allowing them to pay their fighters more and sign more top notch fighters (not that they dont have the majority already).
2. The bud light chicks are hott!

by matt on Feb 28, 2008 4:38 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

You need to work on your reading comprehension. i never at any time said that fox forced the ifl to do that, and i never said CBS did. i was SPECULATING as to waht the possible “creative differences” were between cbs and the ufc that caused the deal to fall through. that cbs COULD HAVE said something like no elbows and the ufc was like “well those aren’t our rules and we don’t want to change them to please you.” so they told cbs to get bent. the only reason i mentioned the ifl is because you seemed to think that the athletic commission decided on rules and everyone had to follow them and i was using the IFL as an example of an organization that does use different rules. Yes they did it because they wanted to, but that isn’t to say that CBS couldn’t turn around and try to force those same rules on the UFC or EliteXC so long as the fights are shown on their network.

Too funny

by Boss on Feb 28, 2008 4:44 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

I’m a new mma fan, only just watched my first ufc event with ufc81. I think this is major news, well done to Dana White and his team. I’m sure this is the first of many exciting things to happen this year. Why is there so much negativity regarding this announcement?

-Tell me again why this is major news to an MMA fan? I dont get it??? we like fights and fighters so all we were waiting for was a big time announcement about a fight so thats why theres negativity towards this fing greedy bastard.

stupid stupid stupid stupid stupid stupid dana!!!!!

 We are interested in fighters and matches, dont be an idiot. We dont give a shit about sponsors that will only make you more money! We are fans of MMA, not your organization and how much more money you will be making now! You and your hype with big time announcements is getting out of hand.

by blah on Feb 28, 2008 4:47 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

…now the announcement about elitexc on CBS is great because that does relate to fighters and fans. we will get to see free fights! That is great for us, the sport and elitexc.

by blah on Feb 28, 2008 4:49 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

this is big news, because by landing budweiser they are now bringing in MAJOR advertising money. what does this mean for us? they dont’ have to necessarily rely on PPV revenue for a show to make a profit, so they can give us more free shows on TV and it will be economically feasible for them to do so. Plus once they land one big sponsor, then others will start to look at the ufc more seriously, and other big paying sponsors will follow in budweiser’s footsteps.

by kitsunex on Feb 28, 2008 4:51 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

this is the major announcement? this is LAME, this is only major for UFC. why do we as fans care? i thought it was going to be something important like signing a fighter or something.

by Ramon on Feb 28, 2008 4:54 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

I think a big part that you guys are missing about this is the mainstream audience that this is going to hit home with. having a sponsor like bud light gives your organization a little bit more legitimacy in the eyes of the average sports fan and lets be honest thats who the ufc wants…theyre not looking really to turn ppl not into sports toward the ufc theyre looking for teh casual sports fan to come over….having bud light in your corner could turn some heads
also… with the backing of a major corporation like budlight, i could see it opening the door to a major network television channel (fox, nbc?) be more inclined to taking a shot with the ufc

by NDkarl on Feb 28, 2008 4:57 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

The only major announcement is that Dana would rather get a beer sponsor than a solid TV deal. His priorities are totally messed up here. He left the potential future of MMA in the hands of another organization. BIG mistake!

by Drew on Feb 28, 2008 4:57 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

-Tell me again why this is major news to an MMA fan? I dont get it??? we like fights and fighters so all we were waiting for was a big time announcement about a fight so thats why theres negativity towards this fing greedy bastard.

stupid stupid stupid stupid stupid stupid dana!!!!!

We are interested in fighters and matches, dont be an idiot. We dont give a shit about sponsors that will only make you more money! We are fans of MMA, not your organization and how much more money you will be making now! You and your hype with big time announcements is getting out of hand.

Robbo, I don’t know if you’re new to MMA boards, but this is kind of the norm for banter involving Dana White and the UFC. Might as well get used to the negativity, because you find lots of it here. I think the majority of the posters here view Dana White as evil personified.

I personally agree with you. I think this was a big deal. I think has a bigger impact on the world of MMA then most realize.

by Andy on Feb 28, 2008 5:08 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

no doubt it’s amazing for the UFC and its growth but the hype he put around the ‘big announcement’ was crap and dissapointing!! so read the comments carefully next time as we’re bashing how it was brought up and basically we all felt misleaded..

This type of news belongs in an all company meeting or maybe to stockholders if the company were public. I bet you budweiser bought the “announcement” like a commercial. Dana knows we don’t care about this stuff. and.. by the way Mickeys is better.

by kama kaze on Feb 28, 2008 5:08 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

I understand how this is a big deal from a business perspective, but to UFC fans….BORING. Seriously Dana, your chief American MMA rival signs a deal to get a primetime slot on CBS, and your “big announcement” is a new sponser? WTF man. I sure hope this new sponser leads to a primetime deal for the Ultimate Fighter show that brought so much popularity to the UFC to begin with. Otherwise, who really cares. I am hoping that ABC owned ESPN picks up the Ultimate Fighter series, would be a great response to EliteXC new deal with CBS.

by efisher on Feb 28, 2008 5:16 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

Oh yeah….Hendo’s gonna put the beat down on Silva tomorrow night

by efisher on Feb 28, 2008 5:18 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

Oh yeah….Hendo’s gonna put the beat down on Silva tomorrow night

That’s a good strategy. I figured he would wait two days for their actual scheduled fight, but getting him tomorrow when he’s not prepared is brilliant.

by PW on Feb 28, 2008 5:46 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

what a lousy annoucement that is it?? who cares what beer gets the exclusive rights to the ufc

by bryant on Feb 28, 2008 6:18 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

That’s a good strategy. I figured he would wait two days for their actual scheduled fight, but getting him tomorrow when he’s not prepared is brilliant.


ROFL

by EdenMachine on Feb 28, 2008 6:32 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

Thats the annoncement, lame mmamania, lame, been waiting to find out what this “big announcement” all day. Good luck to ufc but I wish it was bigger news for the fans!!

by T_Dog on Feb 28, 2008 6:32 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

THIS IS BULLSHIT!

by Macho Bullshit on Feb 28, 2008 6:41 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

K-1 WORLD MAX 2008 World Championship Tournament FINAL 16 – 09/04/2008

Anyone paying any attention to how stacked this tournament will be? R there even any K-1 fans on this site?

by john on Feb 28, 2008 7:01 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

ROFL


LMFAO, that’s awesome. Although even that I doubt would work as Silva would probably have been expecting him and ended up knocking out Dan…

by Anthony on Feb 28, 2008 7:18 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

K-1 WORLD MAX 2008 World Championship Tournament FINAL 16 – 09/04/2008

Anyone paying any attention to how stacked this tournament will be? R there even any K-1 fans on this site?

i love k-1 and all fighting did you hear that the melendez fight may be cancelled i heard the guy gilbert is fighting is out with and injury,it may be hard to find another replacement.strikeforce elite show .

by roy on Feb 28, 2008 7:29 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

i alwayz liked corona better anyway

by ISLAND BOI on Feb 28, 2008 7:32 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

hoegarden, and hefeweiser pyramid. And Corona light with Lime. That’s all you need. And Porter, that’s all you need.
And Red strip, that’s all you need….

by The Anomaly on Feb 28, 2008 7:49 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

EliteXC just fired back and got a HUGE sponsorship with Colt45 beer – All kinds of pictures and posters with Kimbo and Tank drinking 40’s

by Brandon on Feb 28, 2008 8:04 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

More corporate bullshit from the UFC. Worst organization ever.

by Zane on Feb 28, 2008 8:27 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

All Right Beer and Motorcycles what more does MMA need? Hmm what happens if you put them together?

Ask Frank Triggg…Cheers!!!

by 518 milk chicken on Feb 28, 2008 9:33 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

Budweiser beer……….Thats all dana has to say….I would prefer miller lite to budweiser.All the stuff going on today and danas excited about signing budweiser…..What about good fighters you know dana thats what keeps people interested not what adult beverage you sponser.Just goes to show where his priorities lies.

by ORTIZ!!!!!!08....BABY! on Feb 28, 2008 10:43 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

…anyway, so back to really important facts like… WHO IS THE GIRL ON THE LEFT??? =\

by EdenMachine on Feb 29, 2008 12:01 AM EST reply actions   0 recs

…anyway, so back to really important facts like… WHO IS THE GIRL ON THE LEFT??? =\

I agree, she should be a new Octagon girl.

by Toms Bombs on Feb 29, 2008 12:50 AM EST reply actions   0 recs

Anderson silva is on the top article for yahoo.com, go look.

by storhaug on Feb 29, 2008 1:42 AM EST reply actions   0 recs

Damn, that’s it?!

C’mon Drop the hint to Dana White! Kimbo Slice vs. Anderson Silva. The greatest match up in MMA History.

by AlexanderTheGreat on Feb 29, 2008 1:52 AM EST reply actions   0 recs

I agree, she should be a new Octagon girl.


Looks like Eva Longoria, that’d be the best octogon girl EVER

by The Anomaly on Feb 29, 2008 2:57 AM EST reply actions   0 recs

i wonder if we will being seeing bud-lite commercials w/ lidell or rampage or any other of the big names?

Maybe they’ll have one with Travis Lutter, saying if he drank lite beer he would have made weight for his championship ship vs Silva.

by chefdaddy on Feb 29, 2008 7:07 AM EST reply actions   0 recs

Looks like Eva Longoria, that’d be the best octogon girl EVER


Tori Fine and Eva Angelina for new octagon girls! Who’s with me guys?

by chefdaddy on Feb 29, 2008 7:09 AM EST reply actions   0 recs

Maybe they’ll have one with Travis Lutter, saying if he drank lite beer he would have made weight for his championship ship vs Silva.


meant championship fight, not ship, early, need coffee. sorry.

by chefdaddy on Feb 29, 2008 7:23 AM EST reply actions   0 recs

i love k-1 and all fighting did you hear that the melendez fight may be cancelled i heard the guy gilbert is fighting is out with and injury,it may be hard to find another replacement.strikeforce elite show .

Yeah he got hurt. But I also heard that Gilbert was taking place in the Lightweight grand prix… so I really dont know whats going on.

As for the K-1 Grand Prix it looks like they are trying to put Buakaw through the GRINDER (he has a couple of tough matches ahead of him) to get to Misaate in the Finals.

by john on Feb 29, 2008 8:27 AM EST reply actions   0 recs

Looks like Eva Longoria, that’d be the best octogon girl EVER

Anomaly: Did u get the latest Lindland news I posted for you? It came from mmaweekly

by john on Feb 29, 2008 8:29 AM EST reply actions   0 recs

That’s a good strategy. I figured he would wait two days for their actual scheduled fight, but getting him tomorrow when he’s not prepared is brilliant.


LMAO

by ToeLock on Feb 29, 2008 8:30 AM EST reply actions   0 recs

with the backing of a major corporation like budlight, i could see it opening the door to a major network television channel (fox, nbc?) be more inclined to taking a shot with the ufc

EliteXC doesn’t have any “big time sponsor” of the like of Budweiser and they got a deal with CBS. A beer sponsorship does not have anything to do with getting a deal done to be on network tv. The reason that these UFC deals are not getting done is mostly likely because of, yup, Dana White. But then again, Dana is soley responsible for many of the big deals of the past.

by ViolentMike on Feb 29, 2008 9:45 AM EST reply actions   0 recs

EliteXC doesn’t have any “big time sponsor” of the like of Budweiser and they got a deal with CBS. A beer sponsorship does not have anything to do with getting a deal done to be on network tv. The reason that these UFC deals are not getting done is mostly likely because of, yup, Dana White. But then again, Dana is soley responsible for many of the big deals of the past.

be honest, do you REALLY want the ultra-conservative CBS with creative control of UFC programming?

by Kitsunex on Feb 29, 2008 12:26 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

be honest, do you REALLY want the ultra-conservative CBS with creative control of UFC programming?

i won’t agrue this with you again but i have seen nothing that any rule changes will be made and the only thing that will be affected is the promotion and packaging and can understand the ufc not wanting to give that up but its a small price for elite to get on network tv and will not change the fight, so what is the problem with free live mma.

by roy on Feb 29, 2008 3:04 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

i won’t agrue this with you again but i have seen nothing that any rule changes will be made and the only thing that will be affected is the promotion and packaging and can understand the ufc not wanting to give that up but its a small price for elite to get on network tv and will not change the fight, so what is the problem with free live mma.

First, i wasn’t talking to you, so if you don’t want to argue with me, then don’t respond to me. Second, i didn’t mention anywhere in my post about rules changes. you sure do like to read way too much into what people post, you should really work on not doing that.

by Kitsunex on Feb 29, 2008 3:18 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

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