Lack of MMA programming on cable TV...where's the love?
Golf has a channel. Hunting and fishing both have channels. You can watch motorized racing of all forms on Speed (cable channel) day or night Hell, I even learned how to reload ammo and fire a black powder musket (that should come in handy living in a Florida beach side community)
And as we all know, ESPN will air damn near anything from competitive dog jumping to lumberjacking. I've seen series devoted to the world's strongest man and sneaker pimping (the latest and greatest in sneaker fashion). Apparently there exists an audience for hours upon hours of televised ladies billiards. I love watching up and coming boxers on Friday Night Fights. But let's be honest, many of the fights suck. And let us never forget the sporting drama of competitive eating.
Don't even get me started on the entire networks devoted to medical shows, fashion or decorating.
I truly don't have a problem with any of it. If you don't enjoy it just change the channel.
But where is the love for MMA?
Other than the UFC offerings on Spike TV, an occasional Versus fight card and Inside MMA on HDnet (which apparently few people can see and even fewer can afford in this economy), why is MMA the bastard stepchild? (Absolutely no disrespect intended to bastard stepchildren. Who am I to judge? Doc loves the kids!!)
How about a 24-hour MMA cable channel? How about elevating ESPN's MMA Live internet offering to a weekly TV show?
Possibly I'm just naive but if soon to be brides fighting over wedding dresses can consistently garner a sufficient audience to deserve television coverage. Maybe, just maybe, MMA (one of the fastest growing sports world wide) can deliver a sufficient audience worthy of consistent TV programming.
And as we all know, ESPN will air damn near anything from competitive dog jumping to lumberjacking. I've seen series devoted to the world's strongest man and sneaker pimping (the latest and greatest in sneaker fashion). Apparently there exists an audience for hours upon hours of televised ladies billiards. I love watching up and coming boxers on Friday Night Fights. But let's be honest, many of the fights suck. And let us never forget the sporting drama of competitive eating.
Don't even get me started on the entire networks devoted to medical shows, fashion or decorating.
I truly don't have a problem with any of it. If you don't enjoy it just change the channel.
But where is the love for MMA?
Other than the UFC offerings on Spike TV, an occasional Versus fight card and Inside MMA on HDnet (which apparently few people can see and even fewer can afford in this economy), why is MMA the bastard stepchild? (Absolutely no disrespect intended to bastard stepchildren. Who am I to judge? Doc loves the kids!!)
How about a 24-hour MMA cable channel? How about elevating ESPN's MMA Live internet offering to a weekly TV show?
Possibly I'm just naive but if soon to be brides fighting over wedding dresses can consistently garner a sufficient audience to deserve television coverage. Maybe, just maybe, MMA (one of the fastest growing sports world wide) can deliver a sufficient audience worthy of consistent TV programming.
Dr. Benji we meet again.
You bring up some interesting points. To build on your point, I am puzzled by the lack of at least news reporting on ESPN or ESPN News. Every so often you will see a brief update on a specific fight or two, but there is definitely a clear lack of reporting regarding MMA Events.
No I am not asking that they report There is no reason why on a UFC Pay-per-view Saturday night sportscenter cannot have at least a brief spot summarizing the nights card.
To HDNET's credit they show a tremendous amount of MMA coverage and footage, although their main problem right now is they are not widely distributed.
I wonder how much of an effect the demise of EliteXC has had on the willingness of various outlets and channels to cover or broadcast MMA. Practically speaking EliteXC/ProElite was at least putting on multiple shows that were being broadcast on Showtime and CBS both strong outlets. At the least the demise of ProElite destroyed two shows that were available for fans to watch.
At a deeper level with the UFC on the sideline waiting for a TV deal on their conditions and with the spectacular manner in which EliteXC and ProElite exploded or should I say imploded I can see why broadcast partners may be hesitant to broadcast MMA.
Ultimately though, TV is a business and if there is enough of a clamor for MMA, there will be more MMA. As usual it is up to the MMA fan to make their voice heard.
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