Tiered UFC Pay-Per Views?

In the aftermath of UFC 97 many hardcore MMA fans are feeling the heat.

Part of being a devoted fan of the UFC and MMA is the constant proselytization of the sport. We are always trying to convince friends, co-workers, families and strangers of the legitimacy and excitement that comes from a great MMA event. The past two pay-per views haven't helped much.

Just listen to the reaction of Luke Thomas' co-workers that he posted on Bloodyelbow.com. One of the points, made by the incredibly angry Chad Dukes, is that the UFC ‘blew their load' at the end of last year and now we are in a holding pattern until after UFC 100.

Looking at the evidence it is hard to argue against the point. UFC 91, 92 and 94 were the big cards featuring top talent and blockbuster fights, and they all occurred at key points within the sporting calendar. As a result UFC 96, 97, 98 and 99 have all suffered.

It is easy to rationalize what is happening. After all the UFC held a celebrated fight between two champions near the Super Bowl that put two division champions and divisions on hold. Besides they will soon celebrate their centennial PPV show and want to make it as memorable as possible (in reality it will be their 101^st PPV show due to the often forgot UFC 37.5).

I would be remise if I didn't mention the natural dichotomy that exists within the pre-fight and post-fight results. A card that looks fantastic on paper can be a dud, like UFC 94. The fact that there were eight decisions out of ten fights and the revelation of ‘Greasegate' took much of the luster out an event that fans were salivating over for months. Or take the example of UFC 73. That fight card looked tremendously competitive on paper. Yet after the event it was viewed as a mild flop in part due to Sean Sherk and Hermes Franca's positive steroid tests. On the other hand there are the cards that are though of as weak, which then deliver a solid product. Personally I thought UFC 91 was an extremely weak card with only the Lesnar-Couture match as a saving grace. Yet all the fights went so well the whole card is looked at with fondness right now.

But a trend is forming ,where certain cards and venues are valued over others.

It began taking shape when the UFC expanded to the United Kingdom. Those events are often seen as a grade above an Ultimate Fight Night but a notch below a North American pay-per views. For North American fans this was of little concern since the U.K. events were often shown for free on Spike. Now though, certain North American fans beginning to feel like they are being taken for granted.

My greatest fear is that the UFC numbered events become tiered based upon venues. Safe North American markets like Columbus and Montreal will be given lower tiered cards since the turnout will be strong regardless. Thanks to the rabid Montreal fans and the Arnold Classic for Columbus. U.K. shows will be a notch below as top level fighters stay away from low PPV numbers and low PPV bonuses. With the UFC saving their best shows for their hometown of Las Vegas.