Strikeforce on CBS: Does it work without Kimbo?
Strikeforce is attempting to succeed where others have failed ( I can't even bring myself to say that other promotion's name). They are trying to make the jump to major network TV and survive.
You can't put all (just most) of the blame on that promotional misstep. CBS has been a cemetery for MMA before so what will make this attempt different?
Love him or hate him; Kimbo Slice has proved, once again, to be a major draw if only a minor talent.
Strikeforce is doing their part by bringing a stacked card: Fedor, Rogers, Mousasi, Shields, Miller etc...
Mayhem Miller's popularity from his stint on MTV's Bully Beatdown may bring some extra fans to the CBS offering.
But mainstream America still seems to appreciate the spectacle more than the sport when it comes to MMA. They will tune in briefly in huge numbers to watch Kimbo (internet, TUF and prior CBS shows) and to a lesser degree Gina Carano but other far more talented fighters...not so much.
I think that the weak link stills seems to be CBS.
They still don't hype the show enough and they need to do far more to educate the casual fan. Less down time between bouts and fewer video game graphics will also help maintain interest. If CBS was really serious about growing MMA on their network, how about a pre-fight show similar to what all stations provide for football?
CBS still doesn't quite understand or resonate with the MMA fan, either hardcore or casual.
I question if CBS is deeply committed or is this just a half-hearted ratings experiment?
You can't put all (just most) of the blame on that promotional misstep. CBS has been a cemetery for MMA before so what will make this attempt different?
Love him or hate him; Kimbo Slice has proved, once again, to be a major draw if only a minor talent.
Strikeforce is doing their part by bringing a stacked card: Fedor, Rogers, Mousasi, Shields, Miller etc...
Mayhem Miller's popularity from his stint on MTV's Bully Beatdown may bring some extra fans to the CBS offering.
But mainstream America still seems to appreciate the spectacle more than the sport when it comes to MMA. They will tune in briefly in huge numbers to watch Kimbo (internet, TUF and prior CBS shows) and to a lesser degree Gina Carano but other far more talented fighters...not so much.
I think that the weak link stills seems to be CBS.
They still don't hype the show enough and they need to do far more to educate the casual fan. Less down time between bouts and fewer video game graphics will also help maintain interest. If CBS was really serious about growing MMA on their network, how about a pre-fight show similar to what all stations provide for football?
CBS still doesn't quite understand or resonate with the MMA fan, either hardcore or casual.
I question if CBS is deeply committed or is this just a half-hearted ratings experiment?
Posted by Johnny Benjamin MD at 11/4/2009 7:10 AM 
Categories: MMA
Tags: CBS Kimbo Slice Strikeforce MMA
Categories: MMA
Tags: CBS Kimbo Slice Strikeforce MMA
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