Saturday's UFC 122 event drew 8,421 spectators for an estimated live gate of approximately $600,000. The event took place at Konig Pilsener Arena in Oberhausen, Germany, and aired via same-day delay on Spike TV in the U.S.
The figures fell short compared to the first and only other UFC event in Germany: UFC 99 in Cologne. The June 2009 show took place at Lanxess Arena with 12,854 attendees and a live gate of approximately $1.3 million.
"It will be my advice as the partner of the UFC that our strategy is twofold," UFC Germany promoter Marek Lieberberg told MMAjunkie.com earlier this week. "Number one, we fight the legal issues out in a court of law ... The second part is to continue staging events because the best advertising for the UFC is a fantastic live event."
It remains to be see if UFC 122 fulfilled the needs of the second strategy.
Doesn't seem like there's much of a market for the UFC in Germany, although it's hard to tell with that god-awful card. I mean, the UK cards suck dick too but at least they usually throw 1 big name fighter on there, this one had nothing.
It's not Germany. The attendance would be like that anywhere with that shitty as fucking card. If I lived in Germany and got one UFC show a year I would be fucking pissed at what they brought over there. Not the kind if card you want to break into a market
Why should anyone be so shocked up about these numbers? Did you see that card lineup? Doesn't surprise me at all. Hell, when I see UFC and FREE together I instantly see a card with no headliners on it.
Plus, I'm sure a lot of people were too busy getting their Manny Pac Man fight parties organized and prepared instead of attending the UFC.
You can't expect them to throw expensive talent at a fanbase that has shown barely any interest in the sport. Nor can you expect them to waste major PPV draws on a show that will air on tape delay in their home markey.
Say what you will about the Brits, but those mother fuckers show up in droves no matter who is on the card. That is why Zuffa is promising them a title fight in 2011. The Germans fans are going to need to follow the Brits example if they want to see fight cards with bigger names.
While watching, I made two mental notes: -The event was mildly entertaining -Fittingly not a pay-per-view event -Marquardt squandered a great opportunity
You can't expect them to throw expensive talent at a fanbase that has shown barely any interest in the sport. Nor can you expect them to waste major PPV draws on a show that will air on tape delay in their home markey.
Say what you will about the Brits, but those mother fuckers show up in droves no matter who is on the card. That is why Zuffa is promising them a title fight in 2011. The Germans fans are going to need to follow the Brits example if they want to see fight cards with bigger names.
Ireland was meant to have been one of Dana's favourite crowds though and by the looks of things we're not even getting a full numbered event. So I'm not sure if the size of the crowd or anything like that effects the standard of fights, i think its the money in the area/ the proximity to the USA
