The MMA giant recently signed a deal with Verizon, giving all FiOS TV subscribers an
option to purchase select UFC fights. In addition, the service is offering three different sections of UFC media available to view On Demand:1. UFC Free Zone - Offers free stuff like the Countdown's for the big UFC events, as well as previews for the actual upcoming events. It also provides some basic MMA knowledge for new fans who aren't familiar with the fight game, such as rules of the sport and different fighting techniques.
2. UFC Fight Zone - Offers a selection of fights (full) for $2.99. The database includes specific fighters previous battles who have upcoming events. (This is the same method that they use on the UFC Web On Demand service. It helps promote their next fight.)
3. UFC Event Zone - Offers UFC events (full) for $4.99. This library contains old and new Pay-Per-View features. (Best part in my Opinion: They're going to air events as early as 1993.)
Verizon FiOS TV service is available in fourteen different states and is present in approximately 8.2 million homes. This is yet another opportunity for Dana White to further his organization.
http://www.mmaonline.com/headlines/ufc-launches-video-on-demand-with-verizon-fios-tv/
3 comments:
I think this is a great deal for the UFC, not just because they are going to make an obvious profit off the deal but it might draw potential fans to become interested in the sport. Doing something thats only a few dollars a month may end up making new fans buy event tickets, pay per views, and memorabila.
-PS
This is definitely going to get the UFC more out there. I'm sure there are fans that would love to see fights on demand and this will certainly increase their interest in the sport. This deal is huge for the UFC especially since they are offering the UFC free zone which will help new fans with basic knowledge of the sport. They have an opportunity to create a bigger fan base and I’m sure with these new options they will.
In my personal opinion this is one of the key steps in making a sports franchise and industry explode onto a national scene. Right now UFC is more of a niche sport with some other viewers but once it is available for someone to check out for cheap or it is on their cable plan, exposure is limitless. Also, if UFC plays its cards right and takes advantage of the wave of popularity they are experiencing, there is no reason why it can not be as popular as boxing once was. They are at a key point in their maturation as a company and sport and this is certainly a step in the right direction..
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