The UFC has now positioned itself into a major upswing following its last few years with former partner Spike TV; ratings were declining, and fans were losing interest in the product.
After learning about the new exclusive television deal the UFC and FOX agreed upon, a part of that deal would feature four UFC events broadcast annually, beginning with the recently-announced UFC event scheduled for Nov. 12.
While there is no confirmation on who is expected to compete on the upcoming card, the task of finding two competitors to headline the event will be a challenge.
Rumors and speculation have hinted at a possible return involving former UFC heavyweight champion Brock Lesnar, so fans would expect that the company’s biggest draw would be the most logical choice.
Not to mention the UFC wants to deliver on its promises and provide the best action directed at the age 18-34 male demographic, so promoting its first televised event with its most marketable star seems like a safe bet.
But realistically, the confirmation of Lesnar’s anticipated return to the Octagon revolves heavily around the status of his condition and his doctors. It’s undetermined when he will grace us with his presence back in the UFC, and it is not likely going to be this year, but there is a strong belief he would return by early 2012.
Lesnar’s also a former UFC heavyweight champion and the company’s top draw, so having him return to headline a free card might not go over so well.
Let’s face it, Lesnar automatically earns attention, and attention results in a big paycheck for the former WWE superstar. Anything less than a top billing on a pay-per-view card would feel like a demotion.
Other potential headliners are Lyoto Machida and Phil Davis, which seems like a suitable option considering their status among the light heavyweight division.
While the bout is anything but finalized, both competitors have experience in headlining an event. Machida has been featured in four main events, and Davis was recently featured alongside Antonio Rogerio Nogueira at UFC Fight Night 24 in March.
Again, this bout might be a good replacement, but Davis is still inexperienced and growing as a fighter, and he holds less valuable experience in the spotlight than Machida. It would make it a tough sell to casual fans, and it wouldn’t benefit Davis to lose in dramatic fashion against an elite-level opponent while he is still facing mid-level competition (and at the same time, trying to establish a reputation for himself).
Ultimately, this bout would draw considerably better on a pay-per-view card.
But the one bout that would sell as a headliner is Ben Henderson vs. Clay Guida. Both competitors have instantly become fan favourites with UFC audiences, and since acquiring fighters from the WEC, Henderson has arguably been the promotion’s breakout star.
The bout will also attract more ratings if there were title implications surrounding it, which is what brings out more excitement and interest in sporting events. Henderson and Guida also bring an exciting style of fighting to their bouts, along with an unlimited amount energy that will surely keep the crowd intrigued in the main event.
If the UFC was looking for an opportunity to promote younger talent, here is their chance.
The company has been desperately looking for a fresh face to market itself around since merging with the WEC, and fighters like Dominick Cruz and Jose Aldo haven’t appealed to the crowds like they had hoped at this point.
The lightweight division is momentarily congested with talent, and fighters like Henderson and Guida are some of the reasons why the 155 lb division has seen a sudden resurgence in the past five months. It would be a smart move for the UFC to invest their time and money into promoting Henderson and Guida as the main event, especially when they are producing the type of action fans want to see.
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