Report: UFC major announcement set for June 17
by MMAmania.com on Jun 11, 2008 9:12 AM EDT
74 comments
Last week, UFC President Dana White promised a major announcement that would serve as an "indicator of where this business is going over the next five years" would be forthcoming this Thursday, June 12.
Rumors and speculation have gripped the online mixed martial arts community, which even spilled over on a CNBC "Power Lunch" segment yesterday afternoon. White was on the program to detail a significant licensing and merchandising deal for the promotion, but was asked about several other possibilities regarding the "major" announcement that was on the horizon.
Even CNBC realizes that fans want to know what blockbuster news is going on behind the scenes. And instead of finding out tomorrow, Dave Meltzer of WrestlingObserver.com is reporting that we will have to wait a little bit longer.
Here's the snip:
"The announcement today of the UFC action figures deal with Jakks is not the big announcement that has been teased all week. According to the UFC, that announcement will be made a week from today, and not on Thursday."
White debunked several of the popular possibilities, including going public, boxing champion Floyd Mayweather Jr. coming on board, a partnership with World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) and a network television deal, leaving most of those interested scratching their heads about what on Earth is going to be revealed.
It could all be a smokescreen or he could actually have an airtight surprise. He mentioned that he intended to make an announcement to his employees tomorrow, but there's no telling if he still plans to do that now that the announcement date has been pushed back.
Whatever it is it better be good because he has whipped everyone into such a furor that anything short of spectacular or completely out of left field just won't deliver on the expectations.
Even if he's able to do that it still might fall short ... he's set the bar higher than normal on this one.
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What the hell is going on, now I have to wait another week!
by Haze on Jun 11, 2008 9:25 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
hmmm ? does any1 have any guesses wot this might be ???
by boyer on Jun 11, 2008 9:27 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
My guess is that it has something to do with the UFC trying to expand into Europe. The UFC will ratchet up their international exposure. Maybe they are going to try and break into the Japanese market.
by RealDrew on Jun 11, 2008 10:42 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Damn!
I was already impatient, just waiting for tomorrow!
Now another week…
This better be good mr.Dana White!!
by Stagger-Lee on Jun 11, 2008 10:56 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I agree, maybe something international, like an international tour of the UFC.
by chris on Jun 11, 2008 11:16 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
it’s got to be one of the rumors going around. the same ones the guy on cnbc asked him. Nothing else I can think of is too big. What do you think, he’s going to give away his big announcement that wwe bought the ufc before the paperwork is signed. The more I think about it, it can’t be mayweather, one of his cronies would have slipped up and tod by now, unless it’s the best kept secret since the codes to the nukes!!
by kevin on Jun 11, 2008 10:59 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
delayed? maybe it wasn’t a done deal after all, and he’s delaying it to be safe?
by linx on Jun 11, 2008 9:33 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I doubt. More than likely this is simply to build the hype. Or Dana just wants to drive us absolutely bananas.
by chefdaddy on Jun 11, 2008 10:11 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
linx; I didn’t even think of that.. Definitely a possibility..
Hope not..Dana would look pretty dumb if so.
by Stagger-Lee on Jun 11, 2008 10:58 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
At this point, I dont even care. In the past, Dana’s Idea of “Big Announcements” have been very disapointing to us. I am not getting my hopes up. After all, from a fans point of view, the only thing that is a big announcem,ent in my mind is a big free agent signing or a Mega fight. I dont care who is buying the company or what channel the fights will air on because I will watch the evcent weather its on ABC, HBO, Spike, or pay per view. It may be a big announcement for Dana, but from my point of view, anything less then landing a big Free agent or a Mega fight just wont due!
Nothing to get all worked up about!
by john on Jun 11, 2008 12:13 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
The UFC is going to host the first live MMA show on the moon and they’ll be flying the crowd in on a fleet of space shuttles all tricked out by the UFC for the Ulimate Fight Experience for the New Years Eve Show.
by getrawbc on Jun 11, 2008 9:36 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Dana already debunked that theory as well.
by Haze on Jun 11, 2008 9:45 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Boy, you’re really sticking to this story! At this point I might as well agree with you as I have no freaking idea what it could be. He’s debunked everything else. But I’m not holding my breath either…Dana is notorious for his BS announcements.
by Dugout on Jun 11, 2008 11:40 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
This reminds me of the episode on “The Office” when Michael says there’s a surprise at the end of the day and he keeps hyping it while he scrambles to find something.
by Wayne on Jun 11, 2008 9:38 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I hope Dana isn’t buying his staff a bunch of icecream sandwiches.
by RealDrew on Jun 11, 2008 10:28 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Dammit. you beat me to the punch on that one. Great episode.
by PJJ on Jun 11, 2008 11:00 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
now its never gonna live up to the hype.
this better be really good or everyone will be disappointed.
…maybe theyre gonna sport mma tag teams. haha. that will certainly change the whole mma scene hahahahhaha.
by weoweoweo on Jun 11, 2008 9:49 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Maybe this so called major announcement has something to do with having some UFC fights in Mexico. Dana White has always mentioned that one of the future plans for the UFC was for his company to proceed in ‘going global’.
by junjod on Jun 11, 2008 10:00 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Mexicans only enjoy watching fights that involve either Julio Caesar Chavez or two chickens.
by PW on Jun 11, 2008 11:06 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
That is completely politically incorrect, but I laughed my @ss off anyway!
by chefdaddy on Jun 11, 2008 11:33 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
by blah on Jun 11, 2008 1:46 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
PW, I would love for you to say that around Mexicans and see what happens.
by JV on Jun 11, 2008 3:34 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
they Would probaly sneak into our country and pick straWberrys for 18 cents an hour!
by Blurntox on Jun 11, 2008 8:32 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
If he did, they’d probably get Julio Caesar Chavez and two chickens to beat him up. (Kidding)
by Sean_M on Jun 12, 2008 4:08 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Dana White and Randy Couture reconciled their differences and the both of them are teaming up with Donald Trump to build a casino/resort where they will have UFC/Affliction events in the tri state area.
The venue will be based either in Conneticutt right off of I-95 or it will be on Long Island.
You heard it hear first !!!
by Kevin Kelly on Jun 11, 2008 10:00 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Mania, if Dana is announcing to his employees beforehand, could you use your ultra-powerful connections to scoop this story soon? lol I have to admit that I’m at a loss as to what it might be.
by chefdaddy on Jun 11, 2008 10:07 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
i know theyve got the ufc fight nights but ive got a feeling theyre gonna start a spinoff version around europe and the rest of the world.kindve like cage rage in england has got cage rage contenders.that way hes got up and coming talent in smaller shows and as they grow as fighters he can pluck them straight to the fight nights and the into the ufc.if he does this hes got a bigger pool of talent and hes swallowing up mma as a whole and the ufc becomes global in a bigger way than it already is.it answers the 5 year plan aswell.just my thoughts probably a million miles off!!!lol
by SCOTT on Jun 11, 2008 10:08 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Even though he denied it he is going to bring in “the Money” merriweather
by Ralphie on Jun 11, 2008 10:13 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Where “Money” will promptly get KTFO!
by chefdaddy on Jun 11, 2008 10:19 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Damn it UFC stop playing with my emosions! Another week of waiting.
by alex on Jun 11, 2008 10:39 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I was the first one on here to say it on the first thread, and I still think I’m going to be right. It’s locations. Mexico obviously, Brazil, Australia, Germany, and I’m not sure if I remember him saying Russia or not.
by Toms Bombs on Jun 11, 2008 10:43 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I don’t see how anything he could possibly say at this point would live up to the hype. Maybe if he came out tomorrow and gave us the news but to put it off even longer is killing it.c
by StayDown on Jun 11, 2008 10:45 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I’m guessing the NY State Athletic Commission is opening up to a UFC event at MSG. Or women in the UFC?
by Euge416 on Jun 11, 2008 10:51 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I am gonna say that NY has finally passed and will allow MMA. I don’t know that this will be it because that would probably leak through some of the others involved on the commissions side of things.
I would love it if it was that Couture agreed to come back and they scrapped Mir and Randy and Nog would be opposing coaches on the next season. If that were the case, this would be one wituation where I wouldn’t mind them putting the belt on the shelf. (cuz it’s there anyway)
by PJJ on Jun 11, 2008 11:09 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Ya I don’t think you can really tell the state of NY to keep it a secret that they passed a law until Dana White feels it is time to tell everyone.
by GSP4Prez on Jun 11, 2008 3:44 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
If Dana says so, it is so. So keep quiet!!
by PJJ on Jun 11, 2008 7:28 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Dana has debunked the network TV deal but did he say anything about HBO? Maybe that has come back around.
by PJJ on Jun 11, 2008 11:12 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
thing ill like dana to say, new weight divisions, merge wec like they did with pride, open wait division, allow fighters to fight in other orgs whilst on a ufc contract, some kind of royal rumble ….
by t-dog on Jun 11, 2008 11:23 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
The Big Announcement is UFC CHALLENGE. The UFC is starting a subdivision where they will sanction unification bouts between different organizations. Will only be title fights and will be run by the UFC. Most organizations have already agreed.
by ufc inside info on Jun 11, 2008 11:33 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
The Big Announcement is UFC CHALLENGE. The UFC is starting a subdivision where they will sanction unification bouts between different organizations. Will only be title fights and will be run by the UFC. Most organizations have already agreed. This will also include different weight division bouts. i.e. GSP vs. penn or a. silva vs. rampage
by ufc inside info on Jun 11, 2008 12:18 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
This would actually be a very exciting announcement.
by MMAFan1981 on Jun 11, 2008 12:41 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
This would be a so exciting
by UFC fan from MOROCCO on Jun 11, 2008 12:49 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I actually think that maybe the UFC has bought another organization like Strikeforce or something.
by Tim on Jun 11, 2008 11:46 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
i would love cross promotion. I think an agreement to unify belts would be a great announcement and something that signifies where mma would be in 5 years.
by javster on Jun 11, 2008 11:57 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Could you imagine if it was a deal with WWE. I myself would probably cry, to late just the thought of it makes me little sick….
by Da Monkey on Jun 11, 2008 12:26 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I KNOW WHAT IT IS:
Anderson Silva vs Cung Lee (the guy who broke Frank Shams arm with a kick).
We know Anderson is due a fight and should be on the next card and that would be the best test out there. Cung Lee would be the first guy in UFC who can kick and stay balanced. UFC has never seen a striker like Cung Lee but Anderson Silva is the closest they got.
by scott on Jun 11, 2008 12:36 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
smoke-screen all the way. theres no telling.
by b.w. on Jun 11, 2008 1:10 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I am guessing that Zuffa bought another promotion. Maybe affliction or or Gary Shaw. Who knows?
by The Dick on Jun 11, 2008 2:39 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
they should have a website and trailer video for this announcement. thats how big of a deal they’re making out of this.
by kama kaze on Jun 11, 2008 2:51 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
they are announcing that they are releasing office supplies.
plus they are going to start having charity cards
i know big whoop
sorry to let yall down
by box91 on Jun 11, 2008 5:04 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
They signed a 5 year sponsorship deal with GMC. Their new trucks are tough… like a UFC fighter. Or something else that the rest of us will probably care less about. Unless UFC signed on with HBO so we’ll be getting to see more shows for free, and only a couple a year will be PPV.
by UFCAddict on Jun 11, 2008 6:12 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I’m surprised I havent seen more people suggesting this. I wouldn’t be suprised if they make the wec like a farm team for the ufc and demote and promote people as they work up the mini superbowl like ladder to qualify to either get on ultimate fighter type show to get into the ufc. Dana has always said he wanted mma to work like the superbowl maybe they are finally going to organize some proper point structure to determie who gets title shots. Maybe also they will do away with the titles as we know then since they keep getign champs locke dinto tv deals and putting them out of commission for so long. There has to be another carrot then just money for fighters. 1 champ in a division with so many good fighters makes it impossible to really advance people properly. Nothing I personally hate more then seeing someone in title contention taking 2 stupid fights going backwards cause the show must go on while they wear their bodies down more and move further and further away from a title shot. THey need a system to be a sport. SOmethign official something that even dana can’t change cause he likes one fighter but hates another.
by Freddy101 on Jun 11, 2008 7:13 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
145 pd weight class
Gomi, Kid, knees to the head of a grounded opponent,biweekly shows all across U.S and Canada featuring local fighters
by Tyler Rochon on Jun 11, 2008 7:30 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Comment by john
2008-06-10 10:50:05
Cut and paste job:
ANNOUNCEMENT Dana and Vince McMahon bought the UFC from Zuffa (W / SOURCE)
——————————————————————————–
A group of investors led by Dana White have agreed in principle to purchase the UFC from Frank and Lorenzo Fertitta for an undisclosed amount. Included in this investment group is WWE’s Vince McMahon who will now own a minority stake in the company. They also have plans on taking the company public by years end.
At the press conference also expect Dana to announce that with the help of McMahon, who has extensive connections in the New York State Athletic Commission, they were able to get the UFC sanctioned in New York, and plan on having a show sometime in the winter at Madison Square Garden. That is all I have right now.
EDIT:
REAL SOURCE IS PRO FIGHTER Sean McCorkle ON THE UG:
http://www.mixedmartialarts.com/?go=…3&page=1&pc=87
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by Blurntox on Jun 11, 2008 8:37 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Way to look like a putz Dana…Announce a big annoucment for a certain day then push it back by a week. Now I’m not a sucessful business person by any means, but my Dad did teach me not to count my chickens till they hatch…
I wonder if his big announcement, might be backing out on him…anybody agreee???
by Dana Rulezzzz on Jun 12, 2008 11:00 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
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