MMA News Update

When MMA exploded in popularity we knew situations such as this were going to happen. But the shear number of MMA events happening over the next few months is just unbelievable.

Coming off the heels of the debut of Elite XC just 10 days ago, Pride FC is scheduled to have their second American PPV this Saturday night headlined by Wanderlei Silva against Dan Henderson. This event happens just one week before Randy Couture makes his much anticipated return to UFC against Tim Sylvia.

UFC is also simultaneously promoting their next PPV event on April 7th headlined by George St. Pierre taking on Matt Serra. UFC has 3 major shows in April alone with "Ultimate Fight Night" happening April 5th and the UFC debut in the United Kingdom on April 21st, another PPV show.

The number of MMA events currently being promoted is out of control. In no way shape or form can the market handle this many events. One would expect there to be casualties in this war, will Pride be the one to fall?

Dana White was interviewed by MMA Weekly just a few days ago and said, as he has on many occassions that, "If Pride is for sale, I'm interested in buying them." White went on to say that if UFC was to buy Pride he would run it as a seperate entity promoting shows in Asia.

Another company that is apparently interested in buying Pride is the newly formed EXC. The company is coming off a critically acclaimed debut on Showtime and the internet community is still buzzing over the emergence of Gina Carano. This beautiful MMA star is undefeated in MMA and could become the sports first crossover star. With UFC having no interest in using female MMA athletes, this could be EXC's chance to find a niche in this crowded industry.

Brock Lesnar is also set to make his MMA debut for Hero's, tentatively scheduled for May 19th in Las Vegas. Lesnar's debut is certainly going to be watched by many of the major players in MMA. If Lesnar scores an impressive victory, he will become the hottest free agent in MMA history. A star with Lesnar's credentials and fame would drive a high price tag. Lesnar would make a great acqusition for UFC in their heavyweight division, but to me Elite XC would be stupid not to make a bid to sign the former WWE star.

Where Lesnar ends up could be one of the biggest stories in 2007. Few stars have the potential to truly "make" a promotion. The only other star that I could see making this kind of impact on the free agent market is Bob Sapp. The contract squabble between Sapp and K-1 is continuing, but with their agreement set to expire in the Fall of 2007 one would think several MMA companies will be lining up to sign the charismatic big man.

British star Michael Bisping made some waves this week with his critique on the recent performance of Quinton Jackson. Bisping gave Jackson a "5 out of 10" and said he wasn't "that impressed" with his effort. Looks like Bisping is taking a page out of the pro wrestling handbook and is looking to stir the pot in the UFC light heavyweight division. In related news, there is no truth to the rumors that Quinton Jackson will be facing Chuck Liddell in May. Dana White confirmed this week that both fighters will have 1 more fight each before they square-off against each other.

I'm interested to see where your PPV dollars are going to be spent if you regularly purchase MMA. I'm of the thinking this Saturday's Pride PPV show will likely be among the least purchased MMA events in recent memory. I'm also guessing they will not even come close to selling out the Thomas and Mack Center. Much like the "dot com" world did in 2001, the MMA bubble is set to burst very soon.

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