Bellator MMA: Why Bellator’s First Pay-Per-View Seems Destined to Fail

The recent announcement of Bellator’s first pay-per-view event, featuring a main event between Quinton “Rampage” Jackson and Tito Ortiz on November 2, has generated plenty of debate over the past week or so.
While some might argue that ther…

The recent announcement of Bellator’s first pay-per-view event, featuring a main event between Quinton “Rampage” Jackson and Tito Ortiz on November 2, has generated plenty of debate over the past week or so.

While some might argue that there is no such thing as bad publicity, the MMA media’s reaction to the California-based promotion’s first foray into the pay-per-view realm would appear to challenge such popular wisdom.

Indeed, optimism seems to be in short supply for Bellator, with much of the MMA community anticipating abject failure.

But how is success or failure actually being defined in this context?

The consensus appears to be that anything over 100,000 pay-per-view buys would be considered a decent first effort by Bjorn Rebney and Co. By comparison, UFC 162 was estimated to have 550,000 PPV buys, according to mmafighting. The last UFC PPV that did not feature a championship match did an estimated 150,000 buys.

Unfortunately, as modest as that number might first appear, the chances of Bellator breaching that threshold are pretty slim, even with the recent addition of Michael Chandler vs. Eddie Alvarez.

Unless a time machine comes as part of the pay-per-view package, why should anyone care about Rampage Jackson vs. Tito Ortiz?

Not since Roddy Piper faced Hulk Hogan at Halloween Havoc ’97 has the phrase “Age in the Cage” been such an apt description of a main event.

Even Rebney hasn’t attempted to manufacture relevance.

In fairness, how could he? We’re talking about an organisation that prides itself on fighters establishing competitive relevance through the tournament format, yet a glorified exhibition has been given top billing.

Fans want stakes. It’s the reason why interim titles are created, why the UFC slaps on a No. 1 contender stipulation to otherwise meaningless bouts, why storylines are fabricated, etc.

We want consequences—even manufactured ones. We are generally willing to suspend disbelief if you just give us a reason to. The mere illusion of something being at stake is often sufficient to draw in viewers.

Admittedly, the addition of a lightweight title bout between Michael Chandler and Eddie Alvarez to the pay-per-view is a good move by Bellator, even if the “championship rematch clause” is a nauseatingly contrived promotional tool.

The first bout between the pair, in late 2011, was arguably one of the best the sport has ever seen. The hardcore fans will doubtless remember it and won’t hesitate to lay down some coin to see the sequel.

The problem is that neither Chandler nor Alvarez has any real pull with the casual fan. In fact, the latter is essentially a stranger to the Spike TV audience, having only just resolved a contract dispute with his employer.

Chandler vs. Alvarez is the biggest fight in the history of the organisation. Moreover, it is the biggest fight Bellator could conceivably book.

What message is being sent to the fans when the biggest fight in your organisation’s history is but an appetiser for an exhibition between two faded stars who can’t buy a win between them?

Try and wrap your head around that logic.

The good news for Bellator is that the event will receive plenty of coverage from the MMA media. If anything is going to carry the pay-per-view over the—admittedly arbitrary—threshold of 100,000 buys, it is sheer curiosity.

The bad news is that there is competition aplenty in October and November. Competing with Bellator for the combat sports fan’s dollar is Manny Pacquiao vs. Brandon Rios, Velasquez vs. Dos Santos 3 and UFC 167.

And with Bellator settling on a price point of $35-45—depending on the distributor—for an event that, to be blunt, simply isn’t worth that kind of money, it’s hard to imagine the casual fan being intrigued enough to shell out.

There’s still time to sell this card to the masses, but Bellator has already put itself at a disadvantage. Unless something changes, every Dana White media scrum in November will likely turn into a Viacom/Spike TV roast.

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Bellator Does the Right Thing, Releases All Women from Roster

Bellator officially ended their foray into women’s MMA on Tuesday with the release of their few remaining athletes. It was the right move for Bellator, the fighters and the sport.
Far too often the focus is on a promotion’s failures. There is a lot of …

Bellator officially ended their foray into women’s MMA on Tuesday with the release of their few remaining athletes. It was the right move for Bellator, the fighters and the sport.

Far too often the focus is on a promotion’s failures. There is a lot of negativity, but rarely any positivity in regards to moves organizations make. Bellator deserves a pat on the back for their recent move.

Bellator joined the fray of promoting women’s fights early on, and they even brought over Megumi Fujii as part of their 115-pound tournament in 2010. It looked as if Bellator could corner the market for women’s MMA. They had a selection of talented women, but they failed to seize the opportunity.

Between 2012 and present, Bellator has put on 38 fight cards and only nine have featured a women’s bout. In total, Bellator only put on 10 female fights of their hundreds of bouts. Something had to give.

Their fight cards left little room for female bouts. They had several tournaments in line to give their champions challengers to face. And then came signings of significant free agents like King Mo and Rampage Jackson.

Simply put, Bellator shifted the focus of their matchmaking and the women were caught in the middle. Bellator tried to keep their fighters as active as possible, but Bjorn Rebney knew it wasn’t enough. He issued a press release confirming the news and reason behind releasing the athletes:

“I’ve said many times that fighters need to fight and fight often. Given our current focus, we are not in position to provide these very deserving women regular and reoccurring fights on a large platform,” Rebney stated. “And, I felt it was best to let them go and secure options that did. I genuinely wish them the best of luck in their future endeavors and will be rooting for each of them wherever they fight.”

No. 2-ranked flyweight Jessica Eye is one of the biggest free agents in the sport now. She spoke with Steph Daniels of Bloody Elbow about her recent release:

First and foremost, I want to make sure that Bellator gets no disrespect from others for releasing me or the other girls. They did exactly what they said they were going to do at the time, and our relationship was good. They treated me like a princess while I was there, and I have nothing but great things to say about them.

The focus of women’s MMA now shifts to Invicta FC and the UFC. Who will sign where? Eye, for example, can move up in weight to bantamweight and sign with the largest MMA promotion in the world if she so chooses.

On the other hand, if Invicta lands all of the former Bellator employees they will have virtually cornered the market on all non-bantamweight female divisions. It is a big opportunity for the all-women’s promotion to boast about having the top talent outside of the UFC’s 135-pound division.

The all-women’s fight promotion headed by Shannon Knapp has generated a lot of buzz, and a lot of great fights. For the first time in professional MMA there is a significant buzz around women. Plural, not singular. Getting the likes of Eye, Michelle Ould and Jessica Aguilar signed to exclusive deals would further strengthen the organization.

The coming days and weeks will be exciting for women’s MMA. But in the meantime Bellator gets a tip of the cap.

The Viacom-owned organization did right by the athletes. No longer will they be on the shelf waiting long periods of time without a fight, and wondering if their next opponent will be a significant challenge.

Tuesday was a win for women’s MMA, and Bellator should get a little bit of praise in that. They could have found singular fights for their fighters, but they chose instead to sever ties and let them participate in active divisions. It is what is best for them and the sport, and Bellator made it possible.

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Bellator Closes Down Women’s Division; Felice Herrig Snatched Up by Invicta


(Go gentle into that good night, hot secretary. /Photo via Sherdog)

The writing’s been on the wall for a some time now — Bellator didn’t put on any women’s fights during their brief 2013 Summer Series, only featured three women’s bouts during all of Season 8, and hasn’t hosted a women’s tournament since 2010. Last night, Bjorn Rebney released a statement confirming that their last three contracted female fighters have been released, and that Bellator will no longer be promoting women’s MMA:

Jessica Eye, Jessica Aguilar and Felice Herrig represent all that is good in women’s MMA. Both Eye and Aguilar are ranked No. 1 in the world in their respective divisions and carry themselves with class and distinction, elevating the women’s game. I’ve said many times that fighters need to fight, and fight often. Given our current focus, we are not in a position to provide these very deserving women regular and recurring fights on a large platform, and I felt it was best to let them go and secure options that did. I genuinely wish them the best of luck in their future endeavors and will be rooting for each of them wherever they fight.”

Since the arrival of Invicta FC last year, followed by the debut of female bantamweights in the UFC, the marketplace for women’s MMA has become much more competitive. Bellator’s early efforts to promote women’s fighting were admirable, but at some point they began to lose interest. Notably, Bellator virtually forgot about Zoila Frausto after she won the promotion’s inaugural strawweight tournament, and there’s been nothing resembling a long-term strategy for women in Bellator since then. Essentially, there are other promotions doing women’s MMA much better these days, and with bigger stars. (See: Rousey, Cyborg.) Seems like a good time to walk away.


(Go gentle into that good night, hot secretary. /Photo via Sherdog)

The writing’s been on the wall for a some time now — Bellator didn’t put on any women’s fights during their brief 2013 Summer Series, only featured three women’s bouts during all of Season 8, and hasn’t hosted a women’s tournament since 2010. Last night, Bjorn Rebney released a statement confirming that their last three contracted female fighters have been released, and that Bellator will no longer be promoting women’s MMA:

Jessica Eye, Jessica Aguilar and Felice Herrig represent all that is good in women’s MMA. Both Eye and Aguilar are ranked No. 1 in the world in their respective divisions and carry themselves with class and distinction, elevating the women’s game. I’ve said many times that fighters need to fight, and fight often. Given our current focus, we are not in a position to provide these very deserving women regular and recurring fights on a large platform, and I felt it was best to let them go and secure options that did. I genuinely wish them the best of luck in their future endeavors and will be rooting for each of them wherever they fight.”

Since the arrival of Invicta FC last year, followed by the debut of female bantamweights in the UFC, the marketplace for women’s MMA has become much more competitive. Bellator’s early efforts to promote women’s fighting were admirable, but at some point they began to lose interest. Notably, Bellator virtually forgot about Zoila Frausto after she won the promotion’s inaugural strawweight tournament, and there’s been nothing resembling a long-term strategy for women in Bellator since then. Essentially, there are other promotions doing women’s MMA much better these days, and with bigger stars. (See: Rousey, Cyborg.) Seems like a good time to walk away.

Though Eye, Aguilar, and Herrig are all too small to find homes in the UFC’s bantamweight division, strawweight Felice Herrig has already signed a multi-fight contract with Invicta FC, and will make her debut later this year:

“I couldn’t be happier than I am now, after signing with Invicta FC,” said Herrig. “I have seen them do so much for women and really give them a chance to shine. I don’t think anyone realized how big Invicta FC would become, and I am truly proud to say I have found a home with them.”

Herrig, who went 3-0 under the Bellator banner — and quickly became the best reason to watch their weigh-ins — has won her last four fights by decision. Invicta features a stacked roster at 115 pounds, led by champion Carla Esparza, and featuring a pack of exciting contenders and prospects like Rose Namajunas, Bec Hyatt, Tecia Torres, Claudia Gadelha, and Joanne Calderwood. It’s the best place in the world for a female strawweight looking for bigger opportunities, and Herrig will make a great addition. Best of luck, Lil’ Bulldog.

Bellator Officially Drops Women’s Division, Releases 3 Remaining Fighters

Bellator MMA has dropped their women’s division effective immediately following the releases of Jessica Aguilar, Jessica Eye and Felice Herrig.
The writing was on the wall as of Tuesday when both Aguilar and Eye announced their releases via Twitter, an…

Bellator MMA has dropped their women’s division effective immediately following the releases of Jessica Aguilar, Jessica Eye and Felice Herrig.

The writing was on the wall as of Tuesday when both Aguilar and Eye announced their releases via Twitter, and Herrig signed a new exclusive multi-fight deal with women’s MMA promotion Invicta FC.

Bellator CEO Bjorn Rebney issued a press release and statement on Tuesday evening via email confirming that as of now the promotion is moving forward without a women’s division, and no longer has any women’s fighters under contract.

“Jessica Eye, Jessica Aguilar and Felice represent all that is good in women’s MMA.  Both Eye and Aguilar are ranked No. 1 in the world in their respective divisions and carry themselves with class and distinction elevating the women’s game. I’ve said many times that fighters need to fight and fight often.  Given our current focus, we are not in position to provide these very deserving women regular and reoccurring fights on a large platform,” Rebney stated.  “And, I felt it was best to let them go and secure options that did.  I genuinely wish them the best of luck in their future endeavors and will be rooting for each of them wherever they fight.”

Bellator first added a women’s division during their third broadcast season when they introduced the 115-pound weight class and tournament.

The promotion managed to add several high profile names including Aguilar, former top ranked women’s fighter Megumi Fujii, and eventual Bellator champion Zoila Frausto-Gurgel. Unfortunately, Gurgel suffered an injury following her first fight after winning the title (she never actually defended the belt), and had to have major reconstructive knee surgery that kept her out of action for over a year.

Bellator continued to stage women’s fights on a case-by-case basis, but never put on another tournament again in any weight class.

The move on Tuesday to release the remaining women’s fighters under contract now eliminates the women’s division from Bellator’s roster.

While Herrig has already signed to Invicta FC, both Eye and Aguilar will likely be hot prospects to snap up by another promotion in short order.

Aguilar is ranked as the No. 1 fighter in the world at 115 pounds, and Eye is also a highly touted fighter who can fight at both 125 and 135 pounds. Eye’s ability to jump up to bantamweight may be enough to secure her a shot in the UFC, if the promotion is adding any additional talent to the women’s division.

Bellator will now move forward with their current roster of men’s weight classes, which include bantamweight, featherweight, lightweight, welterweight, middleweight, light heavyweight and heavyweight.

Damon Martin is a Featured Columnist for Bleacher Report

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Jessica Aguilar ‘Bittersweet’ About Bellator Exit, Ready to Defend No. 1 Ranking

When Bellator Fighting Championships first decided to add a women’s division, American Top Team fighter Jessica Aguilar was on the short list of competitors that Bjorn Rebney and the matchmakers at the promotion targeted as a key addition.
Aguilar then…

When Bellator Fighting Championships first decided to add a women’s division, American Top Team fighter Jessica Aguilar was on the short list of competitors that Bjorn Rebney and the matchmakers at the promotion targeted as a key addition.

Aguilar then went 5-1 during her time at Bellator, where she also picked up a win over former women’s top-ranked pound-for-pound fighter Megumi Fujii. The victory bumped Aguilar up to No. 1 in the world in rankings at 115 pounds, and she’s held onto the spot ever since.

On Tuesday, however, Aguilar officially said goodbye to Bellator. The promotion issued her release, as it has opted to move away from pursuing a women’s division for now.

Aguilar was the latest fighter to exit Bellator, along with fellow women’s fighters Jessica Eye and Felice Herrig, who were also released from the promotion this week.

Aguilar admits that getting the call from Bellator that she was being released was tough, but it wasn’t anger or angst that she was feeling—it was a bit of sadness.

“It’s bittersweet only because I started with Bellator on day one at the beginning. I was out there with Bjorn (Rebney) going to TV stations and radio stations doing interviews with him and Eddie Alvarez. I was there since day one, and what a journey. They employed me and I was very happy with them,” Aguilar told Bleacher Report on Tuesday.

“They were the vehicle that made my dream possible of being No. 1 in the world and getting the fights I always wanted. I’m thankful for everything they did for me, and I’m just excited for the future.

“I’m sad to leave Bellator because I started with them, and they were so good to me. I’m ready for the next chapter for my life, and I’m excited about what it holds for me in the future.”

Bellator was committed to the women’s division starting with its third season on television. But after crowning a champion in Zoila Frausto-Gurgel at 115 pounds, everything was put on old when the newly crowned title holder suffered a knee injury that forced her to the sidelines for over a year.

While Gurgel was away, Bellator continued to put on women’s fights sporadically, but it never launched another tournament to try and restart the division.

Aguilar kept getting fights, and her ranking kept getting higher and higher. But with Bellator now moving on without a women’s division, she’s excited to find a new fight home and continue to pursue her dream to be known as the best fighter on the planet.

“Everything happens for a reason. There’s a perfect time for everything. I’m where I need to be right now,” Aguilar said. “I am just excited for the future, and I want to continue, and I will continue to defend my ranking. I will continue to put on exciting fights for the fans and continue to be an ambassador for the sport as a female athlete.”

Aguilar is in a very unique position of being a free agent as the No. 1 fighter in her weight class. Beyond her ranking, she not only has a win over Fujiiwho was ranked at the top of the division for yearsbut also holds a victory over current Invicta women’s strawweight champion Carla Esparza.

In other words, Aguilar is not only the top fighter in her weight class, she’s also already beaten the next top two contenders.

So now Aguilar enters free agency for the first time in years, but she says her motto is “smile and believe.” And she’s sure there are good things coming.

“I’m always going to be ready. Whenever we make a deal with the prospects out there, and whoever is the best choice and makes sense for me and my team, and that’s where we’ll be. I’ll be ready whenever the opportunity comes in the next couple of months,” Aguilar stated.

“I’m a free agent. I’m the No. 1 fighter in the world at strawweight, so I’m very excited and looking forward to the future.”

Damon Martin is a Featured Columnist for Bleacher Report, and all quotes were obtained firsthand unless otherwise noted.

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Eddie Alvarez Returns, Will Face Michael Chandler in First Bellator Pay-Per-View

Eddie Alvarez is back in business.
The former lightweight champ, long relegated to the spectator seats because of a protracted legal battle with Bellator, will return to the cage Nov. 2 for a rematch with reigning champ Michael Chandler in the co-main …

Eddie Alvarez is back in business.

The former lightweight champ, long relegated to the spectator seats because of a protracted legal battle with Bellator, will return to the cage Nov. 2 for a rematch with reigning champ Michael Chandler in the co-main event of Bellator‘s first pay-per-view event.

USA Today and MMAJunkie.com’s John Morgan broke the news Tuesday morning. The story quotes Alvarez as saying “I couldn’t be happier right now…I’m happy to put my name on the dotted line and move forward with my career.”

It’s been a long time coming for the 29-year-old Alvarez (24-3), who has long been considered one of the best lightweights in any MMA promotion. When he steps in the cage against Chandler, he will have lost more than a full year of his prime to lengthy and seemingly acrimonious contract negotiations, which included extensive legal wrangling among Alvarez, Bellator and the UFC, which reportedly offered Alvarez a lucrative contract of its own.

As recently as the spring, a lawsuit between Bellator and Alvarez was expected to go to trial and keep Alvarez out of action until well into 2014. However, with Tuesday’s announcement, it seems a settlement was reached.

That’s a good thing both for Alvarez and Bellator, which stumbled into public-relations no man’s land after booking big but fading stars Quinton Jackson and Tito Ortiz for the main event of Bellator 106, its first pay-per-view event. Adding a title bout between Alvarez and Chandler—the last man to defeat Alvarez—would seem to add much-needed heat to the event.

Chandler (12-0) is becoming a major star in his own right. Most recently, Chandler knocked out David Rickels in the first round to defend his lightweight title for the second time. In November 2011 at Bellator 58, Chandler won the belt with a fourth-round submission of Alvarez. The fight was widely considered to be one of the best of 2011.

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