Report: UFC 91 PPV buys top 1 million -- second biggest haul ever for promotion
by MMAmania.com on Dec 11, 2008 1:42 PM EST
51 comments
It was billed as the "biggest fight in UFC history."
And if pay-per-view (PPV) buys are the barometer for success then UFC 91: "Couture vs. Lesnar" at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada, on November 15 appears to have been just that ... almost.
Dave Meltzer from WrestlingObserver.com, which several weeks ago projected a buy rate of about 800,000 based on early trends, now reports that "Couture vs. Lesnar" scored about 1,010,000 buys. Therefore, UFC 91 falls just shy of the mark set by UFC 66 in 2006, which featured a showdown between Chuck Liddell and Tito Ortiz, netting the record for most buys with around 1,050,000.
Cha-ching!
We're not mathematicians, but is you multiply the PPV by number by around $44.95 then you have a pretty juicy profit. And that doesn't even count tickets sales, merchandise, etc.
Accordingly, UFC 91 should be considered a massive win for the promotion -- especially when you consider the current state of the economy.
It also clearly indicates that new UFC Heavyweight Champion Brock Lesnar is a box office drawing behemoth, bringing in a whole new legion of interested of viewers thanks in large part to his days as a World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) superstar not too long ago.
UFC 91 sold 10,845 tickets for a live gate $4,815,675, according to The Nevada State Athletic Commission (NSAC) . The promotion dished out $1,118,000 in UFC 91 fighter salaries for the pay-per-view (PPV) event, as well as $240,000 in additional bonus money for four participants who delivered outstanding performances.
Lesnar defeated Randy Couture via second round technical knockout to capture the heavyweight crown in the UFC 91 main event. Kenny Florian toppled Joe Stevenson with a first round submission in the co-featured bout of the evening, reinforcing his position as the clearcut number one title contender in the 155-pound division.
In fact, UFC President Dana White guaranteed Florian a title shot against lightweight champion BJ Penn in the near future. However, he may have to wait his turn because Penn -- if he defeats Georges St. Pierre on January 31 to regain his welterweight title -- will first fight Thiago Alves in a 170-pound title fight.
For complete results and coverage of "Couture vs. Lesnar" click here and here. To check out the medical suspensions and injuries click here.
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Good. Last nights fights were killer. I wonder how that arms feeling!
by rctrue on Dec 11, 2008 1:46 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
screw the arm, how bout the leg, the arm is his own fault for not tapping!
lets see how long it takes for someone (introvert) to say these numbers aren’t true or that the salaries sucked!
by kevin on Dec 11, 2008 1:49 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Couture made like 2.4 mil according to bloodyelbow. It pays to duck a legend. You guys think GSP-Penn II will beat this?
by NameNotRequired on Dec 11, 2008 2:01 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
it will be a better card but i don’t know if it will get that many buys hopefully close to it.
by roy on Dec 11, 2008 2:11 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
yeah kevin i think it should be bigger it should get more ppv buys but it probally won’t, i think alot of casual fans bought that one becouse of brock but all the hard core fans know this is the fight to watch.
by roy on Dec 11, 2008 2:35 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
you’re probably right on that roy, it’s too bad really!
crazy, I’m in Fremont!
by kevin on Dec 11, 2008 2:53 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
they are certainly promoting the hell out of it but will anyone other than us know what is at stake
by McArthur on Dec 11, 2008 2:58 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
They 3 part countdown that will air in primetime on Spike TV certainly won’t hurt their numbers.
by BNF on Dec 11, 2008 3:51 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Kevin,
Where about? i Grew up in the bay (Richmond/San Pablo/and El Sob.)
by Crazy on Dec 11, 2008 2:42 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
The numbers are fudged so Dana doesn’t look like an ass for saying this was going to do 1.2 million.The numbers are bullshit just as they were for UFC 71.IF you assholes don’t believe me look it up!This event was the 4th biggest PPV for the UFC after UFC 66,79,and 61.
by tyler on Dec 11, 2008 6:03 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Good news… That turned out to be a great card and they will get a lot of return WWE customers. It’s funny how every single card that gets bashed on this site turns out to be a great night of fights.
by BNF on Dec 11, 2008 1:50 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
no crap….. i think it’s called “justice”
by Psyqo78®™ on Dec 11, 2008 2:07 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Yup… All those little UFC bashers can gather their friends, steal 1 of their Daddy’s Coors Lights, and huddle around the laptop screen, while I drink a 12 pack in front of my 50".
by BNF on Dec 11, 2008 2:13 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
hear hear! i thought it was one of the best UFC events in recent memory. i can’t remember the last time that we got to see every single fight in one broadcast.
by kitsunex on Dec 11, 2008 2:17 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
these “haters” are really starting to get on my nerves….. and they’re not even regulars anymore now you have !diots like Rob,Tyler and several others coming out of the woodwork. I wish they had some kind of way to modera…. oh yeah
by Psyqo78®™ on Dec 11, 2008 2:20 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
BNF-PSYCO. WELL SAID. my problem is that they bash events before they even happen, i dont get that. too bad this site cant M for stupidity. :)
by b.w. on Dec 11, 2008 3:31 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
If that were the case, i would never get to post.
by James S on Dec 11, 2008 3:59 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Yep, it’s just us “casual MMA fans here today”.
It won’t be enough though. Sure enough someone will be on here bashing Dana or thr UFC cause it did’nt do 1.2 ppv’s, or they might go on about how great the bankrupt EliteXC’s tv numbers were, or about Affliction’s success in their first few events…oh wait, never mind.
by Jrandolph on Dec 11, 2008 6:55 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
So if you add up the PPV buys, the $$ they drew at the gate….then subtract fighter salaries and promotions I get over $50 mill….Now I know PPV is owned some % as well as MGM taking a %% of the gate…but what the fuck???
How could Dana say the company struggles when they clear that? I know a few big rigs, some roadies to set up the octagon, some nerds behind the scene…don’t cost that much. Zuffa and Dana are making hand over a fist and they still don’t pay the fighters shit!!!!
by wheredoesthemoneygo on Dec 11, 2008 2:07 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
They don’t pay fighters shit compared to?…… Compared to….? Compared to who moron? Look at the other organizations that are still in existence. Wake up.
by Dan on Dec 11, 2008 2:41 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
really, someone other then the fighters accually make money for one of these events? i think wheredoesthemoneygo is right, it probably only takes like 4 or 5 paid guys to set one of these shows up. marketing, those people in the offices, announcers, ring girls, refs, judges, camera people, etc etc only work for good seats to the show and a UFC t-shirts. and how dare those fertita guys and dana trying to make a profit. thats just rude.
by Egads on Dec 11, 2008 3:52 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
lol nice one Egads…some people dont understand what exactly is going on behind the scenes
by Chadx23 on Dec 11, 2008 4:26 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I am pretty sure that The UfC has more than just a “few” employees behind the scenes and I think they get half of the revenue of both the ppv’s and the gate.
by Psyqo78®™ on Dec 11, 2008 2:43 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
And they have to keep money in the bank for the future…. you don’t blow your wad if you want to stay around for the long haul….. just good business and they aren’t going anywhere because of it.
by Psyqo78®™ on Dec 11, 2008 2:51 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I enjoyed last nights fights more than the fights from 91…you guys??
by McArthur on Dec 11, 2008 2:14 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
91 was better – last night’s brutality was over the top.
Although I like seeing fights finished – but breaking arms & legs & heads to get there is not quite my cup of tea [Newbies Cory Hill & Hazaad – get well soon – but plz be smarter next time]
by Anger Jack on Dec 11, 2008 2:34 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Hazaad needs to learn to tap and Corey needs to dring some freaking milk.
by DDT on Dec 11, 2008 2:41 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
LOL… Cory’s legs are so skinny it was bound to happen eventually. But, I really do feel bad for the guy.
by BNF on Dec 11, 2008 4:03 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I agree with you Anger Jack. I defend MMA at every opportunity, but last night had too much carnage for my liking. What I appreciate about MMA is that, generally, all the participants are cared for and it seems that all the fighters genuinely care for the well being of their counterparts. Steve Cantwell is a douche for saying that he’s always wanted to do that to someone. All the other guys showed class.
by RealDrew on Dec 11, 2008 3:36 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I agree that I like the sportsmanship in most fights, but sometimes the guys that don’t like each other is even better. How many times have you heard this before a fight? “I’m going to knock him out or break his arm” What is the difference? Hussan would have broke Cantwell’s arm if he had the chance. That guy is a mor*n for not tapping and that’s what he gets. Don’t you think most of these guys want a broken arm on their resume? Cantwell had the balls to say it. He was fired up. As far as Cory, who wouldn’t feel bad for that guy.
by BNF on Dec 11, 2008 4:01 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I thought what Cantwell said was dumb as well
by James S on Dec 11, 2008 4:03 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I hear what your saying BNF, but I think there’s a difference between saying your going to hurt someone and actually doing it. I don’t blame Cantwell for breaking the dudes arm, he should have tapped, but to take enjoyment out of snapping another person’s arm is a little morbid IMO. At the very least, show your competitor some respect and keep it to yourself.
by RealDrew on Dec 11, 2008 5:26 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I also understand your point, but at the same time these guys punch people in the face for a living so they are a little different to start with. He was a little excited to show how tough he was in front of 10,000 troops in his UFC debut. I like Cantwell and I think he is only 22? I will not crucify him yet.
by BNF on Dec 11, 2008 5:43 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Im happy to see a Taekwondo guy get schooled and busted up in the cage. His hands were low, his stance was side on and his chin was high as a kite. Even his kicks were foot slaps and had very little behind them. The only effective TKD strikes are spinning back and heel kicks but even they are hard to land and leave you wide open to be taken down. Then he had the arrogance / ignorance not to tap! Go directly to hospital, do not pass go, do not collect your purse and try not to kick an Olympic official in the face on your way out.
by paniczoo on Dec 13, 2008 4:16 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
MMA has come sooo far yet Tito/Chuck in 2006 remains the best seller…
by McArthur on Dec 11, 2008 2:18 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
that card was pretty sick though. leban, jardine, chuck were my three favorite fighters at that time, and still are in my top 10
by Swizz on Dec 11, 2008 4:01 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I’ve seen osteoporotic women with stronger legs than Corey Hill. A little muscle would go a long way in his case.
by MM_Eh on Dec 11, 2008 2:50 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
They should definitely try for a rematch (business purposes) and i hope Randy gets to whoop the shit out of NOgueira!
by CARNAGE on Dec 11, 2008 2:50 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
Randy should not have an opportunity to fight Nog. Nog would destroy Randy. I hate to inform everyone of this but Randy day in the sun has passed. He cannot compete at that level anymore. Mirr, I think he could beat, but not Nog. Nog is probably going to win against Mir, unless Mirr has arranged for the ref to help him in this one as with Lesnar. Then Nog will beat Lesnar(and I am a big Lesnar fan). Right now Nog is simply the best HW in the UFC and the heavyweight with the best chance to beat Fedor, whom would make Randy look like an amatuer.
by ASR on Dec 12, 2008 5:10 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Swick said he would like to fight thiago and I for one would like to see it, let thiago fight him and the winner get either penn or gsp. Swick looked great last night, he looked horrible against burkman, but seemed to be his old self again last night. God to be honest if all ufc fights were like this card it wouldn’t be around too long. I’m sure it would be banned everwhere.
by nathan on Dec 11, 2008 2:56 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
Swick sucks in my opinion. He proved nothing by beating Jonathon Goulet. Goulet has one of the worst chins in fight competition point. And his skills are average.?
by CARNAGE on Dec 11, 2008 3:20 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
For everyone that ever questions a fighters salary, this is the perfect example to shut you up!
You earn what you make!
by DownUnder on Dec 11, 2008 3:40 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
Thank You! It really is that simple.
by Psyqo78®™ on Dec 11, 2008 3:47 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
The average PPV cost was not $44.95 – DirecTV and probably some decent cable companies (ahem, not Comcast) offer the show in HD for $54.95. The average was probably somewhere around $46-$47 dollars. Also, if they’re counting all the bars that show the PPV (i.e. BWW & Hooters et al), they probably have to pay for a higher broadcast-fee version, as I doubt PPV let’s a big sport bar like that only pay $44.95 to show it on 10+ screens for 200+ people.
by one3one on Dec 11, 2008 4:20 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
Bit of a rant here from an Australian import. I bought the VHS vid of UFC1 when it came out and have purchased nearly every UFC event in some form ever since. I had arranged for a bunch of mates and a bunch of my brother in laws mates to watch this PPV live on the Sunday at 2pm (aust time) but Foxtel in their infinite wisdom only have one channel available for their Main Event PPV and decided to air reruns of Andre fuuuuccking Riu in concert from the night befores live PPV. Huge dissapointment They rescheduled the airing of UFC 91 to…… wait for it …. 6am Monday Morning and still at the full PPV price. This will have had a huge impact on the Asia Pac figures for PPV sales, so Zuffa take note, Foxtel get your act together and Andre Riu .. “Im telling Brock on you”
by paniczoo on Dec 13, 2008 4:00 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
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