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Last Word On Sports

Sports News Since 2011. Honestly.

Last Word On Sports Logo

Sports. Honestly. Since 2011

Day: February 17, 2012

UFC on Fuel TV 1: Give Me Fuel, Give Me Fire!

Posted on by Mark Modeski

To date I’ve been pretty critical of UFC’s recent event schedule, as I feel like supersaturation will equate to apathy towards the sport. I am happy to say that so far it appears that this cynicism has been challenged by the MMA viewing public. UFC on Fuel TV 1 turned out to be the biggest success in the history of the fledgling Fuel TV – and with six more events planned for the station throughout the year, this partnership is sure to be a profitable one.

Everything said, the net benefit of this event on Fuel does need to be taken with a grain of salt. While the average viewing audience for Fuel was up over 500% during the time the event aired, reaching a peak viewing point during the Ellenberger/Sanchez main event, Fuel TV is one of the lowest rated cable TV (specialty TV for Canadian readers) in the US.

What’s going to be interesting to watch from a marketing perspective is whether or not the UFC can do for Fuel what it did for Spike TV.  Prior to its relationship with the UFC, it was in a much similar situation to Fuel – low viewership, heavy reliance on syndication and support. The UFC, with the The Ultimate Fighter as the engine, propelled Spike to one of the higher rated specialty stations in the US. The average fight night on Spike was averaging in around 500,000 to 1,000,000 viewers per event, not bad for a station of that caliber. Can same thing work for the benefit of Fuel?

The event aired this past Wednesday may not have had the same strong line-up that has been seen on the FOX cards, but I firmly believe that it had enough gusto to generate interest from the lay-person; which is the target that the UFC wants zero-in on right now. A perfect symbiotic relationship has been forged here, and it will be interesting to watch it grow.

The only pillar standing in its way is oversaturation from the parent company (FOX). If FOX/UFC pour it on too heavy on the higher rated FX and FOX networks, it could stop this Fuel from ever catching fire.

Notes from the event…

·         In a hard fought, and bloody decision, Jake Ellenberger pulled out a surprising victory over Diego Sanchez. Sanchez needs to go back to being the “Nightmare”, because the “Dream” just isn’t cutting it.

·         Stefan Struve did what he did and back from near defeat to chalk up a TKO victory against Dave Herman.

·         Ronny Markes edged out Aaron Simpson for the split-decision win.

·         TJ Dallishaw put on a striking clinic against Walel Watson, gaining two scores of 30-25 and on score of 30-26.

·         Ivan Menjivar rallied from behind to land the rear-naked choke against John Albert in the first round.

… and that is the last word.

Problems Brewing In The 'Peg? Swaggerville to Stressed-ville

Posted on by Carl Mostacci
Are the Bombers Blue?

My, what a difference 6 months makes!  Swaggerville has gone to Stressedville.  Winnipeg Blue Bomber players Jonathan Hefney and Deon Beasley turned to Twitter to express their disappointment in General Manager Joe Mack’s effort to improve the football team.

The players used explicit language, complaining the Bombers have not signed any new team mates since free agency started on Wednesday, while other teams are stock-piling.  They also are upset former Bombers Brandon LaBatte and Greg Carr signed as free agents with the Roughriders and Eskimos respectively.  Both are concerned the team will not be able to make a second consecutive Grey Cup appearance if additional effort is not made to improve the roster.

Joe Mack responded in a media conference stating his disappointment with both players choice to vent their anger in a public forum like Twitter.  He wished they would have done so to him in private.  Mack also stated one of the players already has apologized to him and they are looking to fine both of them for their comments.

How will this affect the Winnipeg Blue Bombers going forward?  Will this be an issue that carries into the 2012 CFL season and affects the team’s on-field performance?  What will their teammates think of their actions?  Will both of these players be sent packing off the squad because of their comments?  Do they both face additional fines from the Canadian Football League?  I’m sure the answers to these questions will be revealed in due time.

Canadian Football League players have been in hot water with Twitter before.  Two seasons ago, Argo lineman Rob Murphy tweeted an offensive comment insulting French Canadians while with his team on a train entering the Province of Quebec to play the Montreal Alouettes.  Murphy was fined by the CFL for his comments.

This is a big issue in 2012 that not only does the CFL have to deal with, but all professional sports leagues and teams must address.  I believe social media protocols and rules have to be established that all athletes are expected to follow when referring to their respective league or team, or when they are at a sanctioned team activity.  Not only do these negative issues reflect poorly on the involved player(s), it also looks bad on the team too.

The issue also embarrasses the Winnipeg Blue Bomber organization.  Perhaps if their Head Coach, Paul LaPolice, lead by example and treated others they way he wanted to be treated (the elementary “Golden Rule” applies to adults, too), instead of running up game scores like in the 2011 Eastern Final, the team would not have these issues.  Just remember, LaPolice still can’t count.

What do you think?

…and that is the last word.