Kimbo Fight Highest Ever Watched

[onlyme]

Figures just release by CBS had 6.1 million viewers watched the final 20 minutes of the Kimbo-Thompson fight making it the most watched fight in MMA history.

With the inclusion of the final 51 minutes, the entire broadcast drew a 3.0 rating (4.85 million viewers). That number narrowly beats Spike's broadcast of UFC 75 which drew 4.7 million viewers to become the most watched MMA event in history. In the key demographics the program did a 3.2 in M18-34 and a 3.0 in M19-49. In the final 21 minutes the key demographics soared to a 4.1 in M18-34 and a 4.0 in M18-49, as well as a 4.3 in M25-54.

For some perspective, the NBA Playoffs on ABC are averaging 5.4 million viewers, while broadcasts on ESPN and TNT are averaging 4.1 and 3.8 million viewers respectively. Head to head with EliteXC, the NHL Stanley Cup Finals on NBC drew a 2.6 overall rating.

[MindSpin]

What a fucking travesty.  That was the first exposure to MMA that millions of people had...

[Mark Kerr]

Figures just release by CBS had 6.1 million viewers watched the final 20 minutes of the Kimbo-Thompson fight making it the most watched fight in MMA history.

With the inclusion of the final 51 minutes, the entire broadcast drew a 3.0 rating (4.85 million viewers). That number narrowly beats Spike's broadcast of UFC 75 which drew 4.7 million viewers to become the most watched MMA event in history. In the key demographics the program did a 3.2 in M18-34 and a 3.0 in M19-49. In the final 21 minutes the key demographics soared to a 4.1 in M18-34 and a 4.0 in M18-49, as well as a 4.3 in M25-54.

For some perspective, the NBA Playoffs on ABC are averaging 5.4 million viewers, while broadcasts on ESPN and TNT are averaging 4.1 and 3.8 million viewers respectively. Head to head with EliteXC, the NHL Stanley Cup Finals on NBC drew a 2.6 overall rating.

These numbers don't mean shit for Elite XC. You didn't need cable TV to watch the fights. Every redneck with an antenna hanging from his trailer watched this side show.

[onlyme]

These numbers don't mean shit for Elite XC. You didn't need cable TV to watch the fights. Every redneck with an antenna hanging from his trailer watched this side show.

Really, you should tell the sponsors they have, those numbers don't count.  DO you think Burger King and the others got to advertise for free on that show.  If the numbers didn't mean anything then they probably paid $50 for each commercial and logo placement.  Man, I hope they can get better dollars next time.

And since you say the numbers don't mean anything I am pretty sure when they go out and seek more advertisers for their next show they will listen to your assumption and sell advertising for less than $50 next time

[Mark Kerr]

Really, you should tell the sponsors they have, those numbers don't count.  DO you think Burger King and the others got to advertise for free on that show.  If the numbers didn't mean anything then they probably paid $50 for each commercial and logo placement.  Man, I hope they can get better dollars next time.

And since you say the numbers don't mean anything I am pretty sure when they go out and seek more advertisers for their next show they will listen to your assumption and sell advertising for less than $50 next time

Let me help you look at this another way. If the UFC was on CBS, how many views would they have gotten? You can't compare public TV views to cable TV views. There are alot of people that don't have cable.

[onlyme]

Let me help you look at this another way. If the UFC was on CBS, how many views would they have gotten? You can't compare public TV views to cable TV views. There are alot of people that don't have cable.

I think the UFC numbers would be possibly be higher.  But over 90% of the households in america have cable and the ones who don't have satellite.  Not many homes running on just an antenna.  Also, the way I read your post was that the numbers they generate mean nothing.  but, I guarantee you they mean alot to EliteXC.  With those numbers they are going out to get more sponsors and more money for sponsorship.  So those numbers being as high as they were are going to really help Elite.

[Mark Kerr]

I think the UFC numbers would be possibly be higher.  But over 90% of the households in america have cable and the ones who don't have satellite.  Not many homes running on just an antenna.  Also, the way I read your post was that the numbers they generate mean nothing.  but, I guarantee you they mean alot to EliteXC.  With those numbers they are going out to get more sponsors and more money for sponsorship.  So those numbers being as high as they were are going to really help Elite.

I don't know. These fights made Elite XC look bad. The Kimbo fight looked fixed. James Thompson is trying to dispute the fight. I hope he causes a lot of problems for Elite EX.

[onlyme]

I don't know. These fights made Elite XC look bad. The Kimbo fight looked fixed. James Thompson is trying to dispute the fight. I hope he causes a lot of problems for Elite EX.

I said it before that within the first 20 seconds of the show I thought it seemed to much like the WWE.  Not sure why they did it that way.  It made it seem to me that it could be fake like wrestling.  I personally didn't like the way they did things either but the show did do very good numbers and thats all CBS is looking at I am sure.

[SinCitysmallGUY]

I said it before that within the first 20 seconds of the show I thought it seemed to much like the WWE.  Not sure why they did it that way.  It made it seem to me that it could be fake like wrestling.  I personally didn't like the way they did things either but the show did do very good numbers and thats all CBS is looking at I am sure.

The Baroni entrance was way to over the fucking top. It took him longer to walk down the ramp and have his shirt tore off then he fought in the ring.. I hate that pompus fucking chump...

[Benny B]

What a fucking travesty.  That was the first exposure to MMA that millions of people had...

[Geo]

who's gives a shit about anyone's "first time exposure" ?

what difference does it make ?

 

[MindSpin]

who's gives a shit about anyone's "first time exposure" ?

what difference does it make ?

 

It makes all the difference.  If the first time you ever see an MMA bout, it turns out to be total crap, you'll probably not be interested in watching it again, let alone paying for a PPV...

[Geo]

It makes all the difference.  If the first time you ever see an MMA bout, it turns out to be total crap, you'll probably not be interested in watching it again, let alone paying for a PPV...

the people that are into MMA are into MMA regardless of how many NEW fans are made....

big deal,let whoever pay kimbo millions,it's no skin off my ass,I'm not gonna feel insulted because they're putting shitty fights on FREE tv...

has zero bearing on what's REALLY going on as far as who's the best fighters in the world

[Fury]

the people that are into MMA are into MMA regardless of how many NEW fans are made....

big deal,let whoever pay kimbo millions,it's no skin off my ass,I'm not gonna feel insulted because they're putting shitty fights on FREE tv...

has zero bearing on what's REALLY going on as far as who's the best fighters in the world

Hahaha, someone finally gets it. It's kind of funny watching clowns bitch about the quality of the card. Meanwhile, the fighters who are struggling to break into the big leagues are probably pretty thankful that another organization like Elite XC is around to give more guys fighting opportunities on the big stage.

I couldn't care less how many people got turned off to MMA. I'll never be a professional fighter. I love the sport. The best fighters will be around regardless. This UFC dick sucking is endless.

[MindSpin]

Hahaha, someone finally gets it. It's kind of funny watching clowns bitch about the quality of the card. Meanwhile, the fighters who are struggling to break into the big leagues are probably pretty thankful that another organization like Elite XC is around to give more guys fighting opportunities on the big stage.

I couldn't care less how many people got turned off to MMA. I'll never be a professional fighter. I love the sport. The best fighters will be around regardless. This UFC dick sucking is endless.

This may be one of the dumbest things you have ever posted   I'll have to save this one..lol. 

The more people that become fans of the sport, the more money there will be coming in, the better it will be for the fighters.  If new fans are exposed to the circus act that EliteXc put on, with shit fighters like Kimco, it will make it hard for the sport to continue its growth, and even harder for the truly talented fighters to get the exposure they deserve. 

EliteXC put a backyard brawling thug on their main card, paid him hundreds of thousands of $$$ and told millions of new fans "this is MMA".  How do you think that makes guys who have paid their dues feel? 

[Fury]

This may be one of the dumbest things you have ever posted   I'll have to save this one..lol. 

The more people that become fans of the sport, the more money there will be coming in, the better it will be for the fighters.  If new fans are exposed to the circus act that EliteXc put on, with shit fighters like Kimco, it will make it hard for the sport to continue its growth, and even harder for the truly talented fighters to get the exposure they deserve. 

EliteXC put a backyard brawling thug on their main card, paid him hundreds of thousands of $$$ and told millions of new fans "this is MMA".  How do you think that makes guys who have paid their dues feel? 

I hate to break it to you, but the kind of card Elite XC put on is what most likely appeals to most Americans. Hence why the WWE brings in hundreds of millions of dollars each year. They want to see stupid spectacles like that. If this wasn't the case, the WWE wouldn't be so wildly popular. That's why Kimbo was on the main card. They want to see brawlers and spectacles. They don't care about the "technical" aspect of the sport. They can't tell a kimura from a triangle. Most people probably thought that was an awesome show.

People keep saying, "the more money this, the more money that" crap. Why is it that fighter's salaries have been the same for years? The UFC makes all this money and yet guys that are fighting title bouts are still making $10k per fight. The salaries haven't risen with the profits. Give me a break. 


My eyes light up knowing that I'm so deeply ingrained in the psyche of a 30-something year old guy who makes 7 figures a year that he has to save my posts for future reference. Bruised ego? 

[MisterMagoo]

Really, you should tell the sponsors they have, those numbers don't count.  DO you think Burger King and the others got to advertise for free on that show.

wow, way to dispute that "every redneck with an antenna watched it".

[20inch calves]

it amazes me that it was the highest rated mma event considering it was one of the worst ever

[MindSpin]

I hate to break it to you, but the kind of card Elite XC put on is what most likely appeals to most Americans. Hence why the WWE brings in hundreds of millions of dollars each year. They want to see stupid spectacles like that. If this wasn't the case, the WWE wouldn't be so wildly popular. That's why Kimbo was on the main card. They want to see brawlers and spectacles. They don't care about the "technical" aspect of the sport. They can't tell a kimura from a triangle. Most people probably thought that was an awesome show.

People keep saying, "the more money this, the more money that" crap. Why is it that fighter's salaries have been the same for years? The UFC makes all this money and yet guys that are fighting title bouts are still making $10k per fight. The salaries haven't risen with the profits. Give me a break. 


My eyes light up knowing that I'm so deeply ingrained in the psyche of a 30-something year old guy who makes 7 figures a year that he has to save my posts for future reference. Bruised ego? 

Are you really that dumb   Do you ever actually look shit up before you post all of your nonsese? 

The WWE is popular because of story lines, pile drivers, body slams, jumping off the ropes, etc.  EliteXC had none of that.  Instead it had a bunch of humdrum fights & early stoppages (Gina fight excluded).

Growth of the sport and more money coming in does not equate to more money to the fighters?  The fact is that fighters today are making far more money than ever.  And, it's only getting better for them.

I suppose that if it were up to you, this would remain a subculture sport with a minimal fan base and fighters making a couple of hundred dollars per event...kinda like bbing

[Geo]

it amazes me that it was the highest rated mma event considering it was one of the worst ever

it dos'nt count in comparison to any other MMA cards...

I'm guessing it would have done under 30k buys if there was a $30.00 price tag on it

[Fury]

Are you really that dumb   Do you ever actually look shit up before you post all of your nonsese? 

The WWE is popular because of story lines, pile drivers, body slams, jumping off the ropes, etc.  EliteXC had none of that.  Instead it had a bunch of humdrum fights & early stoppages (Gina fight excluded).

Growth of the sport and more money coming in does not equate to more money to the fighters?  The fact is that fighters today are making far more money than ever.  And, it's only getting better for them.

I suppose that if it were up to you, this would remain a subculture sport with a minimal fan base and fighters making a couple of hundred dollars per event...kinda like bbing

They're making far more money than ever? Why did you justify Dana's comments in that interview by having to reference sponsorship payments then? Guys busting their ass to make $50k a year? Hahaha. And you want to see a UFC monopoly. 

Maybe the top 2 or 3 guys are making more money. Ironically, the fighter payouts for the cards are almost the same as they have always been. I'm sure Dana would still cry poor were he given the chance. Guys fighting title bouts are still making $10-30k for some of these fights. Yeah, lots of money!

Wow. Piledrivers, body slams, shit talking. It's a SPECTACLE. Which is what fans want. Which is exactly the show the Elite XC put on. That's what Americans want. Maybe you think you're King Shit because you started "grappling" once a week at 40 years old and feel like you're king of the world but the fact of the matter is that most Americans couldn't give two shits about the "great" grappling matches and what not. They want it excitement. They want shitty rap music and brawler fights. That's why Kimbo was the main card. The guy's a hack and he's already the most popular MMA fighter on the planet, getting ESPN the Mag covers after 2 shitty fights.

I bet that Elite XC card would bring in more new fans than UFC 85 would if it was free on CBS. 

Sorry to burst your bubble Yemeni but you're an idiot. You probably know it too but it's not like a homo like you would ever admit you're wrong. Remember, you're the clown that's suffering a severe midlife crisis.   

Pull the average 25 year old asshole off the streets and ask him if he could tell you the difference between an armbar and a kimura. 

[MisterMagoo]

thing is, BF, that doesn't justify fixed fights, just bad fights. As much as kimbo pisses off the MMA "purists", had he won fairly there would be little to bitch about. People like brawlers, that's why so many loved tank but not the gracies.

regardless, the bitch here isn't that it was a pair of bad fighters. Whatever gets people watching is cool in my book. It's when fights are also pathetically obvious fixes in order to crowd please, making MMA basically pro wrestling.

difference being pro wrestling knows and celebrates that it's fake and MMA pretends to be real.

[Fury]

thing is, BF, that doesn't justify fixed fights, just bad fights. As much as kimbo pisses off the MMA "purists", had he won fairly there would be little to bitch about. People like brawlers, that's why so many loved tank but not the gracies.

regardless, the bitch here isn't that it was a pair of bad fighters. Whatever gets people watching is cool in my book. It's when fights are also pathetically obvious fixes in order to crowd please, making MMA basically pro wrestling.

difference being pro wrestling knows and celebrates that it's fake and MMA pretends to be real.

I'm not arguing for fixing fights. He's crying about the "spectacle" aspect of it. All I'm saying is that most Americans are more interested in seeing a spectacle than seeing a technical match. Ask the majority of people in this country what they would rather see, a superb grappling match between two bjj black belts or a WWE type show and fight? I'm willing to bet the majority of answers would be for the WWE. It's sad but it's true. Hell, it's so bad now that within 30 seconds of some fights hitting the ground, most of the assholes in the crowd start booing.

I'm not for fixing fights in any way, but I'm sure as shit not going to cry about the Elite XC giving more guys the opportunity to fight on a big stage while letting more people who want to see exactly the type of show that was put on get the chance to watch it. Letting the UFC monopolize the sport is the worst possible thing that could happen to it.

Mindspin is a UFC jockrider and is under the impression that if it isn't done the way the UFC wants it, then it sucks.  In the end, the number of casual MMA fans is much greater than the number of hardcore MMA fans. And those casual fans want spectacles, brawlers, blood and knockouts. They don't care about skill. And while Mindspin will say, "bullshit," the fact that Kimbo is now the most popular fighter in the world only supports my point.