Strikeforce on NBC 5/4 Rating

MMAPayout.com has learned that the 5/4 edition of Strikeforce Saturday Night drew a 0.5 rating (537,000 viewers) on NBC. The program was the 23rd highest rated sports program on network television for the week. The top rated sports broadcast of the week was the Kentucky Derby on NBC which drew a 8.8 rating. The program's lead-in, Poker After Dark, drew a 0.7 rating.

For some perspective, 537,000 viewers is nearly twice the audience that saw Showtime's 3/29 broadcast of the EliteXC-Strikeforce event featuring Frank Shamrock v. Cung Le. That event drew 287,000 viewers. However, some inside the industry have questioned the quality of the late night audience, the theory being that at 2AM there may be more television sets "watching" than actual attentive people.

Strikeforce on NBC 4/27 Rating

MMAPayout.com has learned that the 4/27 edition of Strikeforce Saturday Night drew a 0.4 rating on NBC. The program was the 28th highest rated sports program on network television for the week ending 4/27. The top rated sports broadcast of the week was NASCAR Sprint Cup Racing from Talladega on FOX which drew a 5.7 rating.

Strikeforce Rating

MMAPayout.com has learned that Strikeforce on NBC did a 0.5 rating on April 19. That number is considered good, in fact good enough to place #24 on the Network Sports Programming Top 30. For some perspective, Poker After Dark, the program's lead-in, did a 0.7 while an NHL Playoff game on NBC did a 0.9. The top rated sports program of the week on network TV was a 3.5 for an NBA playoff game on ABC.

Shamrock-Cung Le Showtime Rating

Showtime's 3/29 broadcast of the EliteXC-Strikeforce event featuring Frank Shamrock v. Cung Le did a 1.2 rating (287,00 viewers), according to The Wrestling Observer Newsletter. The number is considered a disappointment, trailing Kimbo-Tank (1.9), Shamrock's first two fighters (1.6, 1.7), and Lawler-Rua (1.5).

Ratings Flash: Shamrock-Le, Iron Ring, & ShowXC

• The Fight Network's broadcast of the event in Canada was the most watched program in the network's history. The event drew 37,000 viewers from the network's small 450,000 subscribers for an 8.2 rating with a 13.0 peak quarter hour. No rating for the Showtime broadcast has been released.
• The second episode of Iron Ring, in a new 10:30PM time slot, did a 0.76 rating (845,000 viewers) on BET.
• The ShowXC 3/21 event drew a 0.66 rating on Showtime, the best number yet for the series
  

CREDIT: The Wrestling Observer Newsletter

CBS-NBC Politics

The already testy relationship between EliteXC and Strikeforce has grown even more complicated thanks to the politics of each promotion's respective network television deal. According to the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, fighters will be unable to appear on both networks. In theory, Frank Shamrock would be the fighter most affected by the restriction.

EliteXC and Strikeforce will co-promote Shamrock's next fight, however, at that point his Strikeforce contract will expire, while his EliteXC deal reportedly runs through the end of 2009. That would seem to indicate that Shamrock will become exclusive to EliteXC later this year. Shamrock is also under consideration as part of CBS's announce team.

EliteXC/Strikeforce 3/29 Payouts

MMAJunkie.com obtained the CSAC's financial report on last Saturday's joint EliteXC/Strikeforce event. The event drew 15,192 (14,710 paid) for a total live gate of $1,117,855. Strikeforce joins Zuffa as the only MMA promoters to top $1 million at the gate in North America. The total disclosed payroll was $667,850. Reported payouts:

• Cung Le ($200,000) d. Frank Shamrock ($300,000)
• Drew Fickett ($10,000) d. Jae S. Lim ($3,000)
• Gilbert Melendez ($50,000) d. Gabe Lemley ($7,000)
• Wayne Cole ($10,000) d. Mike Kyle ($10,000)
• Joey Villasenor ($36,000) d. Ryan Jensen ($6,000)
• Billy Evangelista ($10,000) d. Marlon Sims ($2,500)
• Tiki Ghosn ($8,000) d. Luke Stewart ($6,000)
• Darren Uyenoyama ($4,000) d. Anthony Figueroa ($2,000)
• Jesse Jones ($2,150) d. Jesse Gillespie ($1,200)

CREDIT: MMAJunkie.com

Sapp's Named Surfaces in Balco Case

From the International Herald Tribune's coverage of former Olympic cyclist Tammy Thomas's perjury trial:

Novitzky said 30 athletes were called to testify before the grand jury in 2003. Novitzky didn't identify any of the athletes, but testified there was "some evidence" that professional wrestler Bob Sapp — who briefly played in the NFL — bought steroids from Arnold.

Jeff Novitzky is the lead investigator in the U.S. government's steroid distribution probe. Patrick Arnold is the chemist who pleaded guilty to creating the designer steroids that Thomas and Barry Bonds are accused of taking.

Electric: EliteXC-Strikeforce, Shamrock-Le Deliver Memorable Night

The honest truth is that most MMA events, like most sporting events, are forgettable. The event is hyped, some better than others; fans are excited, sometimes more than others; anticipation builds; the event happens, some are more entertaining than others; fans are satisfied, sometimes more than others; and the process repeats itself with the last event forgotten, remembered only for its relevance to the hype of the next event. As the relentless expansion of MMA on television continues, this is phenomenon that will on increase. But occasionally an event, or at least a fight, transcends that pattern and becomes something special.

Only hours removed from the glow, last night's EliteXC-Strikeforce co-promotion, or at the very least its main event, feels like one of those special nights that people remember. From top to bottom this was one of the strongest shows I can recall seeing, with conclusive finishes in every fight, but it was the main event that may transform this from a good show into a legendary show, an "instant classic" in MMA.

The tone for the night was actually set five minutes before the live broadcast began with a brilliant five minute Showtime short interview with Frank Shamrock. It was five of the most effective promotional minutes you will ever see. There was nothing fancy about it, just a get to know you rapid fire interview with Shamrock's charisma turning it into something great. In case you didn't believe he would be one of the biggest draws in the sport instantly with the right television platform, he proved it again later in the broadcast during another promotional piece.

The Shamrock-Le main event is a must see and a rematch is a no brainer. EXC's second CBS date is reportedly set for July, giving Shamrock three months to heal. The politics of the EXC-Strikeforce arrangement have always been difficult and will undoubtedly become more difficult now that both have their own network TV deals, but Le-Shamrock II may be the best fight all of MMA (including the UFC) can offer on network TV right now.

Despite what was probably a disappointing finish for some, the fight is an early fight of the year candidate and one of the best fights I've ever seen. It was such a great fight for three rounds, enhanced by a hot crowd, that I was shocked at the finish (when Shamrock couldn't come out for the fourth round with a broken arm), but not disappointed.

This was a star making turn for Le and perfect timing for Strikeforce as they go national on NBC with Le as the face of the promotion. If NBC representatives were in the building, or even watching at home, it is easy to imagine visions of the rematch live on NBC dancing in their heads. This was that kind of main event on that kind of show.

The weakest segment of the entire broadcast was a live interview with Kimbo Slice in the middle of the cage. He got a nice reaction, but nothing close to a super star reaction, at least not at the level of Shamrock or Le. Even though he's become the face of the brand and is a legitimate phenomenon, EXC has to be careful about shoving him down people's throats. Kimbo has a great look and persona to go with an exciting style, but the segment died when he started talking. In his defense, he was put in a position to fail with nothing to talk about (like who he will be facing on the CBS debut).

It will be interesting to see what kind of numbers the show does to see if there was any bump from the CBS publicity or the strength of the event itself. Speaking of CBS, it's a shame that EliteXC can't bottle tonight for its network television debut because it will be hard pressed to live up to this performance. This was the kind of show that gains traction for a brand, the kind of show that people point to as the turning point for a company. However, given than it was Strikeforce's main event and live promotion, the case can be made that, if there is a turning point to be pointed to, it belongs to Scott Coker and company, not EliteXC.

Three Ways to See Shamrock-Le Tonight

Tonight's EliteXC-Strikeforce event is available on Showtime ($10 per month on Time Warner Cable), pay-per-view for $24.95, and Showtime.com will have a free online stream of the cage cam for Shamrock-Le. The main card:

• Joe Villasenor (24-6) v. Ryan Jensen (11-3)
• Mike Kyle (9-5-1) v. Wayne Cole (10-6)
• STRIKEFORCE LIGHTWEIGHT TITLE:
  
• Gilbert Melendez (13-1) v. Gabe Lemley (11-6)
• Drew Fickett (31-5) v. Jae Suk Lim (9-3)
• STRIKEFORCE MIDDLEWEIGHT TITLE:
  
• Frank Shamrock (25-8-2) vs. Cung Le (5-0)

Gary Shaw will also announce Kimbo Slice's opponent for EXC's CBS debut.

Strikeforce-NBC Deal Officially Announced

After months of speculation the long rumored Strikeforce-NBC deal was finally announced today. MMAPayout.com became the first media outlet to report the potential deal on January 15. "Strikeforce on NBC" will premiere the night of April 12 from 2-2:30 AM EST.

Strikeforce-NBC Deal To Be Announced

MMAJunkie.com reports that NBC and Strikeforce are set to announce a television deal. According to the report, a highlight program similar to the Pride shows currently airing on Fox Sports Net will air late night Saturday night starting in mid-April.

On January 15, MMAPayout.com was the first media outlet to report that Strikeforce was believed to be close to coming to terms with NBC for a late Saturday night time slot. At the time the NBC deal was believed to be a straight time buy at $2 million for a one year contract.

Strikeforce 2/23 Payouts

Strikeforce's February 23 event at the Tacoma Dome in Washington drew 7,089 for a live gate of over $500,000, a state record. Disclosed payouts for the event:

• Jan Nortje ($15,000) d. Bob Sapp ($100,000)
• Cory Devela ($10,000) d. Joe Riggs ($15,000)
• Maurice Smith ($30,000) d. Rick Roufus ($15,000)
• Eddy Ellis ($5,000) d. Steve Berger ($10,000)
• Jorge Masvidal ($20,000) d. Ryan Healy ($4,000)
• Mychal Clark ($5,000) d. Josh Bennett ($2,000)
• Lyle Beerbohm ($2,000) d. Ray Perales ($2,000)
• Mike Hayes ($2,000) d. Matt Kovacs ($1,500)
• Zach Skinner ($2,000) d. Scott Shaffer ($1,000)
• Nathan Coy ($2,000) d. Dave Courchaine (2,000)
• TOTAL DISCLOSED PAYOUTS: $245,500

CREDIT: MMAJunkie

Press Release: Strikeforce Sets Live Gate Record In Washington

TACOMA, WA.—With a live audience of 7,089 at Tacoma Dome on Saturday, February 23rd, “Strikeforce At The Dome” surpassed the dollar amount grossed by any boxing, mixed martial arts, or kickboxing gate in Washington State history.

“It’s an honor that the people in the Tacoma and Seattle area welcomed us with such open arms our first time there,” said Strikeforce CEO Scott Coker. “The public’s embracement of the event is evidence of its hunger to see a big mixed martial arts fight card live as well as its true understanding of the sport.”

During the live HDNet telecast of “Strikeforce At The Dome,” fans witnessed the transformation of Cory “The One” Devela (8-1) from local hero to national star as the 23-year-old Bonney Lake, Washington native and former junior college wrestling standout stopped Joe “Diesel” Riggs (27-10) with a textbook judo throw that rendered the far more experienced competitor on his back and unable to continue the contest.

Former UFC and K-1 North America Champion, Maurice Smith (74-20-4), also shined in front of his hometown fans as he quickly submitted fellow kickboxing legend, Rick “The Jet” Roufus (57-8) with an armlock at the 1:53 mark of the fight’s opening round.

Bodog Fight was the event’s Presenting Sponsor.

What About Bob (Sapp)?

The Seatle Times ran a front page feature on Bob Sapp in today's edition. Sapp played college football at the University of Washington and will headline next Saturday's Strikeforce event in Tacoma. The piece provides a nice career retrospective on Sapp, recounting his journey from marginal NFL player into Japanese Super Hero.

HDNet Fights Announces Partnership with Strikeforce

Yesterday HDNet Fights announced a deal with Strikeforce to provide exclusive live coverage of four events in 2008, beginning with the promotion's 2/23 show in Tacoma, Washington. Key quotes:

“We're excited about this new deal with Strikeforce ™ as they are such a well respected MMA organization," said Andrew Simon, CEO of HDNet Fights. "This announcement reinforces our commitment to deliver a minimum of 24 events in 2008 and the partnership between HDNet Fights and Strikeforce ™ guarantees many great match-ups for MMA fans."

"We are excited about the opportunity to showcase our brand of mixed martial arts on HDNet,” said Scott Coker, President of Strikeforce ™. “HDNet delivers television content to viewers in the highest quality format possible and Strikeforce ™ has worked diligently to produce the finest, world-class fights for mixed martial arts fans. Together, the two entities will be able to deliver a superior product."

Earlier this week HDNet Fights announced a similar deal with the IFL as part of the network's continuing push to become an MMA destination.

Quick Notes on Network TV: Progress for UFC-CBS; NBC Details

Sources tell MMAPayout.com that talks between the UFC and CBS are progressing after the UFC apparently softened its stance last week. At NBC, EliteXC is rumored to have emerged as the front runner for the Friday night late late night time slot with Strikeforce on Saturday. The NBC deals being offered are believed to be straight time buys. Under the agreements, the companies would pay the network $2 million for a one year contract (52 one-hour shows) and receive all the advertising time to sell on their own.

This report is based on information from anonymous sources within the MMA industry. As a result, it should be considered rumor or informed speculation at best. It also bears mentioning that the situation is fluid and can change quickly.

Network TV Update: Negotiations Continue with CBS, NBC; Spanish Language Stations Interested As Well

Despite seeming assurances by Dana White to the contrary, sources close to the situation continue to tell MMAPayout.com that negotiations between the UFC and CBS have stalled as reported last month. The impasse is widely believed to be creative control, which the company continues to refuse to relinquish. A potential deal with HBO fell apart over similar concerns late last year. CBS announced three new series today with no mention of the UFC.

In light of the impasse, the UFC has reportedly reached out to NBC as late as last week. The reception was reportedly cold with the peacock network having little interest in working with the UFC and particularly Dana White. NBC does not appear interested in prime time programming, making the UFC a poor fit in addition to any concerns they might have about White. The UFC attempted a similar leverage play during stalled negotiations with HBO by approaching Showtime.

NBC continues to talk with a number of players about late night time slots, including the IFL, Strikeforce, M-1, and K-1. Speculation within the industry suggests that Strikeforce, with financial backing from the owners of Hewlett-Packard, may have already came to terms with the network, however, such a deal would not preclude other promotions involvement.

The latest potential entrants into the MMA sweeps race are reportedly Univision and Telemundo. Univision is rumored to be courting the UFC, with interest in doing live specials, despite the company's current affiliation with FOX Sports.

Strikeforce Announces Bob Sapp for 2/23

Today Strikeforce officially announced Bob Sapp as the headliner (opponent TBA) of its 2/23 show at the Tacoma Dome in Tacoma, Washington. Maurice Smith and Rick Roufus will meet in the semi-main event. Sapp and Smith both have ties to the local market.

Strikeforce is another promotion that bears watching in the battle to claim the number one contender spot in the MMA industry. The promotion enjoyed a successful 2007 in the San Jose market and has its eyes on expansion in 2008. Several weeks ago it was rumored to be the leader in the NBC television sweepstakes.

First Success Story in Internet Streaming?

Dave Meltzer recently reported in the Wrestling Observer Newsletter that Yahoo!'s streaming broadcast of the 9/29 Strikeforce show from the Playboy mansion drew roughly 350,000 viewers. The most shocking statistic was the that the average viewer watched for almost 60 minutes.

As the industry moves forward many people see a prominent role for internet streaming. With its considerable resources, financial and technological, and its commitment to MMA, Yahoo! is solidly poised to become a leader in the emerging medium. Of course, how far we are from viable (i.e. profitable) internet streaming remains to be seen. The obituaries for traditional pay-per-view may are beginning to look a bit premature in light of a record breaking year by the UFC in 2006, a mark that HBO boxing is likely to surpass this year.