campaign for a UFC return to Dublin Ireland 2011

mma_ireland

http://twitter.com/#!/mma_ireland

Please add this link to your twitter account and re tweet so we can get as many followers as possible and show how many of us want the UFC to return to Dublin Ireland.

Ufc 93 was a sucessfull event and a return would beat the Irish records already set on 17th January 2009. We had been promised a return in 2010 and it never happened so here is to showing our love for a sport and hopefully not getting passed over in 2011.

http://twitter.com/#!/mma_ireland

chordtype

Good luck with this.

mma_ireland

anything is worth a try, power of the internet !!! hopefully if enough of us get onboard we can show our interest at least. You see when ufc posted Mir Vs lesnar 3 the twitter population went nuts saying they didn't want the fight and it was scrapped so you never know but always a chance

SuperWoody101

Facebook one here: http://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/pages/Get-the-UFC-back-to-Ireland/108662189180877

mma_ireland

nice one

Why would they want to come back here? Ireland is a small demographic and we're in a depression.

Sid_Justice

one of the potentially great things about seeing the ufc return to ireland is it's an opportunity for an irish fighter to get on the card. with the lighter weights in the ufc now, we could be a lot more competitive.

d_jordan

Sid_Justice wrote: »

one of the potentially great things about seeing the ufc return to ireland is it's an opportunity for an irish fighter to get on the card. with the lighter weights in the ufc now, we could be a lot more competitive.

that has to be the best reason

Mellor

That's a positive for us if they comes to ireland, but it in no way is an incentive for the UFC to come to ireland

IMO they have far bigger fish to fry with regard to openng up to new markets. As far as they'll be concerned they've been to "Ireland" twice and will likely have their sights set on other markets in Europe.

MrStuffins

What is the campaign for exactly? Sure they're coming back on Paddys Day, didn't you know? Like they did last year and will again next year and the year after...... and the year after......

drayme

One look at level of unemployment among their prime demographic in this country totally kills this dead. Brazil, China, New York and Canada have a better upside as markets.

Tyler MacDurden

Interesting interview, Lorenzo talks about UFC pushing for a New York show this year, possible return to Japan & Brazil, and their intention to do an event in Scotland. Helwani tried to draw him out on Ireland, but alas he didn't comment.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b0m-1zLFPVE

Fozzy

If you ever look at the Google trends for terms like UFC and MMA, you'll always see Ireland listed as one of the top countries. I would think that their efforts would be better spent raising their profile in countries with more money to offer than a country with little money that will still have a strong interest regardless

Their last European show was in Germany, where they are banned from tv. It seems like they'd prefer to focus on somewhere like that

Tyler MacDurden

Tyler MacDurden wrote: »

Helwani tried to draw him out on Ireland, but alas he didn't comment.

I'd say it's more to do with the fact that he's sick of answering it, those of us with ears have heard the answer 50 times now. Yet at the expo in London for example you still had around six people who decided to ask at various points.

They're running a business, they're not going to be swayed by polls or persistent nagging.

They've stated it will happen at some point, that's all we're getting for now.

JOE.iemma

Yeah Ireland is in a sorry state but it doesnt stop George Michael, Lionel Ritchie and a host of other artists playing gigs here and charging top dollar for tickets. Ireland is still a viable venue for the UFC as the tickets will sell...... fast!!!

Dana White is always banging on about getting MMA on free to air TV more. Well, a European venue does that thru ESPN!!

The UFC returning to Ireland is a win-win for the business interests of the UFC and for the sport in Ireland.

Get behind the campaign whether you agree or disagree with it. Doing nothing wont get the UFC back.

MrStuffins

JOE.iemma wrote: »

Yeah Ireland is in a sorry state but it doesnt stop George Michael, Lionel Ritchie and a host of other artists playing gigs here and charging top dollar for tickets. Ireland is still a viable venue for the UFC as the tickets will sell...... fast!!!

Dana White is always banging on about getting MMA on free to air TV more. Well, a European venue does that thru ESPN!!

The UFC returning to Ireland is a win-win for the business interests of the UFC and for the sport in Ireland.

Get behind the campaign whether you agree or disagree with it. Doing nothing wont get the UFC back.

Firstly, George Michael and Lionel Richie are not implementing a worldwide growth strategy for their peoduct, Zuffa are. So your comparison makes no sense!

Also, since when is ESPN free to air? It's a satelite subscription channel.

Are you really from Joe.ie? I knew there was a reason I didnt go there!

JOE.iemma

Fair enough about ESPN

Putting on gigs is a form of advertising your product, similar to the global growth strategy that Zuffa are employing!! If bands/musicians think there is still money to be made out of Ireland does it not follow Zuffa would as well??

Point is Ireland is seen as a place that tickets sellout for shows at high prices. Surely Zuffa want a slice of that

scudzilla

JOE.iemma wrote: »

Fair enough about ESPN

Putting on gigs is a form of advertising your product, similar to the global growth strategy that Zuffa are employing!! If bands/musicians think there is still money to be made out of Ireland does it not follow Zuffa would as well??

Point is Ireland is seen as a place that tickets sellout for shows at high prices. Surely Zuffa want a slice of that

With the quality of the cards they're putting on in Europe recently they can no longer charge top prices.

MrStuffins

JOE.iemma wrote: »

Fair enough about ESPN

Putting on gigs is a form of advertising your product, similar to the global growth strategy that Zuffa are employing!! If bands/musicians think there is still money to be made out of Ireland does it not follow Zuffa would as well??

Point is Ireland is seen as a place that tickets sellout for shows at high prices. Surely Zuffa want a slice of that

No, your comparison still makes no sense.

Putting on gigs is a way to advertise your product, you new Single or Album or DVD or whatever. UFC's "gig" IS their product. They're not advertising anything else.

When George Michael is playing a gig, he wants as much cash as possible now. The gig isnt gonna grow his fan-base, his songs on the radio and Tv will! However, UFC's strategy is much different because it's a much different product.

MrStuffins

JOE.iemma wrote: »

Point is Ireland is seen as a place that tickets sellout for shows at high prices. Surely Zuffa want a slice of that

Also to comment on this, that might be true, but at the end of the day it's very short-sighted. Why put on a show in a reletively small venue like The O2 in dublin to make a quick buck, when they can go to Brazil where they can sell more tickets than Ireland while also building up their fanbase in a new continent?

JOE.iemma

I'm pretty sure the music at the gigs is the product!!

I'm also pretty sure a few other people in Europe would be able to watch an Irish event on TV, similar to your Brazilian example

Bottom line it would be great for the sport in Ireland if the UFC returned, why not support and effort to achieve this??

MrStuffins

JOE.iemma wrote: »

I'm pretty sure the music at the gigs is the product!!

I'm also pretty sure a few other people in Europe would be able to watch an Irish event on TV, similar to your Brazilian example

Bottom line it would be great for the sport in Ireland if the UFC returned, why not support and effort to achieve this??

Yes, the music is the product. And how do people sell their music?......... through CDs. I'm frankly baffled that you don't understand this.

Also, the fact other European people can see it on TV doesn't add any weight to ireland being a good candidate for a show. peopple all over Europe can already see the existing cards.

I agree it would be great, I loved UFC 93 and would give my right arm for a great card to come here. I'm just showing you why it's not happening yet ffrom a business stand point.

JOE.iemma

So apart from having a market that has a track record of selling out high priced ticketed events quickly, no language barrier for organisers and being in a timezone that allows other European countries see the event live, which fits in nicely with the global growth strategy of the UFC, Ireland doesnt make good business sense?

MrStuffins

JOE.iemma wrote: »

So apart from having a market that has a track record of selling out high priced ticketed events quickly, no language barrier for organisers and being in a timezone that allows other European countries see the event live, which fits in nicely with the global growth strategy of the UFC, Ireland doesnt make good business sense?

I never said it doesnt make business sense, i'm just pointing out why other places are of higher priority to Zuffa

Mellor

Tyler MacDurden wrote: »

Interesting interview, Lorenzo talks about UFC pushing for a New York show this year,

NY, specificly the gardens, is UFC's goal

JOE.iemma wrote: »

Ireland is still a viable venue for the UFC as the tickets will sell...... fast!!!

JOE.iemma wrote: »

Point is Ireland is seen as a place that tickets sellout for shows at high prices. Surely Zuffa want a slice of that

JOE.iemma wrote: »

So apart from having a market that has a track record of selling out high priced ticketed events quickly,

Something you are not considering, the UFC doesn't make the bulk of its money from the gate. The vast majority of its profits are from PPV sales.
they'll pretty much sell out every show they put on regardless of location, so they also makes in an invalid point.

I would imagine, that for most events the gate sales, pretty much covers payouts, bonuses, booking the venue, promo stuff and various other bits and pieces.
PPV is profit

JOE.iemma

MrStuffins wrote: »

I never said it doesnt make business sense, i'm just pointing out why other places are of higher priority to Zuffa

And I never said Ireland was the most important venue for the UFC but it is a very viable one.

PPV can follow once the UFC has established their brand through events across Europe backed up by local TV. MMA is still banned in France and UFC 122 was banned on German TV even though it was held in Germany. Ireland (with no language barrier) allows UFC a gateway to Europe with an event likely to sell out (covering costs).

Whether it works or not a campaign to try and raise awareness to get the UFC back to Ireland is worth supporting.

hisholinessnb

JOE.iemma wrote: »

Ireland (with no language barrier) allows UFC a gateway to Europe with an event likely to sell out (covering costs).

The language barrier comment is very odd. Whatever country hosts the UFC events, it will be broadcast in English, this is regardless of the language of the country, no its not really a valid point.

Look you could pretty much pick any country in europe where MMA is not banned to host an event. So why pick a small country you have already been to when you appear for the first time in much bigger countries.
I'm sure having a show in Italy, Greece, Spain etc would make much more sense than Ireland.
I'd love the UFC to come back here as much as anyone on here, but we need to be realistic and accept that from the UFC's point of view, it doesn't make sense.

Rob Carry

MrStuffins wrote: »

No, your comparison still makes no sense.

Putting on gigs is a way to advertise your product, you new Single or Album or DVD or whatever. UFC's "gig" IS their product. They're not advertising anything else.

When George Michael is playing a gig, he wants as much cash as possible now. The gig isnt gonna grow his fan-base, his songs on the radio and Tv will! However, UFC's strategy is much different because it's a much different product.

Surely the PPV is the product and the gigs are a means of promoting it? I have to say, the musician comparison seems reasonable enough to me.

Anyway, on the main point - the Eurozone is the single largest economic bloc on the planet and by comparison with developing nations, even with the economy the way it is, there is still far more disposable income floating around for tickets and PPV. I think it makes perfect sense for the UFC to come back to Ireland.

Throw in the fact that Ireland is the only English speaking country in the Eurozone, (which as we've seen in other industries makes doing business here that bit easier), the fact that the UFC knows it will sell out the O2 because it happened last time, the legal problems MMA has in other countries and there is a decent case to be put.

Also, (and don't quote me on this) didn't Dana say that he planned to bring the UFC back again?

I mean there are of course other priorities for the UFC in terms of where they go to next (NY) but that doesn't mean Ireland has been binned forever more.

Anyway, it would be great for MMA in Ireland if it came back. Supporting a campaign couldn't do any harm.

MrStuffins

Rob Carry wrote: »

Surely the PPV is the product and the gigs are a means of promoting it? I have to say, the musician comparison seems reasonable enough to me.

Well this was my point. the show IS the product. People are paying to see it.

But bands and artists but on shows to promote another entity, a CD. Thats why the tours are always named after them!

Anyway, on the main point - the Eurozone is the single largest economic bloc on the planet and by comparison with developing nations, even with the economy the way it is, there is still far more disposable income floating around for tickets and PPV. I think it makes perfect sense for the UFC to come back to Ireland.

The Eurozone is crumbling. But anyway, if you're using Europe as an example, there are other places UFC can put on shows where there is much much more potential for growth than Ireland.

Throw in the fact that Ireland is the only English speaking country in the Eurozone, (which as we've seen in other industries makes doing business here that bit easier),

I'll have to stop you there, language barriers mean nothing!

Also, (and don't quote me on this) didn't Dana say that he planned to bring the UFC back again?

Yes, hasnt happened yet.

I mean there are of course other priorities for the UFC in terms of where they go to next (NY) but that doesn't mean Ireland has been binned forever more.

Anyway, it would be great for MMA in Ireland if it came back. Supporting a campaign couldn't do any harm.

EXACTLY!!!!!!

this is my point! I never said ireland should be binned. But there are other priorities!

JOE.iemma

To clarify on the language barrier point, from the organisers perspective an English speaking country is obviously easier to put on a show in.

The UFC in Ireland is about Europe, a place there's still massive potential. Whether its the priority of the UFC, I've no idea but their putting on a lot more shows on there than anywhere else in the world outside of the States even though Brazil and Asia have an MMA tradition whereas Europe doesnt.

On the music comparison, musicians play more than just the latest songs at gigs as their product , the music, extends beyond the latest release.

Ireland offers the UFC a timezone for the Europe TV markets to see the event live, no legal barriers to hosting the show, ticket prices that would cover costs, a venue that would sell out quickly and its only 2 years since they were here so I'd imagine the contacts they made are still relevant.

My only point has been support the campaign. It certainly cant do any harm. I'll leave it at that.

dave1982

Do it really matter where the UFC put on their shows to them?It's all about the PPV.If they can put together 250k to 500k PPV they would have it anywhere:rolleyes:


Edit it's 2 years ago to the day 17/01/09 that they came here

Mellor

I find it mad that people's desire for the UFC to return to Ireland affects their common sense so much. Do people actually believe that Ireland is a good choice for the UFC, or is that what that wish was the case.

Don't get me wrong, I'd love them to return (although its not of paticular benefit to me, but I can't complain either given my location) but I can remove emotions from the situation and look at it from a realistic viewpoint.

scudzilla

Mellor wrote: »

I find it mad that people's desire for the UFC to return to Ireland affects their common sense so much. Do people actually believe that Ireland is a good choice for the UFC, or is that what that wish was the case.

Don't get me wrong, I'd love them to return (although its not of paticular benefit to me, but I can't complain either given my location) but I can remove emotions from the situation and look at it from a realistic viewpoint.

That's cos a lot of the people wanting it to return are the boggers from Cork and they've never been on a plane or out of the country before. Hence there reluctance to travel over the water for an event

Sid_Justice

Mellor wrote: »

Do people actually believe that Ireland is a good choice for the UFC,

Yes, UFC might well have as much desire to expand their product to new markets as to reaffirm old ones. Off the top of my head, if you take the UK and Ireland as one mass market, we're probably the best served locations other than the United States itself. Yes, UFC definitely has ambitions to go to Japan and Brazil but there is no reason they can't have one show per year in Ireland/UK.

The problem with the Irish market is we seem to have only 2 potential venues, the one in Belfast and the o2/point depot in dublin. the o2 has to be booked well in advance, and as you imply, dublin isn't a top priority, thus it's probably not that realistic that the ufc will return soon. but i dont think it's because they see us as a "been there, done that" territory and don't give a ****.

Mellor

Sid_Justice wrote: »

Yes, UFC might well have as much desire to expand their product to new markets as to reaffirm old ones. Off the top of my head, if you take the UK and Ireland as one mass market, we're probably the best served locations other than the United States itself. Yes, UFC definitely has ambitions to go to Japan and Brazil but there is no reason they can't have one show per year in Ireland/UK.

The problem with the Irish market is we seem to have only 2 potential venues, the one in Belfast and the o2/point depot in dublin. the o2 has to be booked well in advance, and as you imply, dublin isn't a top priority, thus it's probably not that realistic that the ufc will return soon. but i dont think it's because they see us as a "been there, done that" territory and don't give a ****.

I totally agree that at least 1 a year in UK/Ireland, tbh, I'd actually expect more than that.
And I wasn't suggesting a been there done that attitude btw.

But they prob view ireland exacty as you grouped above, as an extension of the UK market.
Dublin is just one city in the mix of London (120 & 95), Manchester (105), Birmingham (89), Newcastle (80), Belfast (72)

So while we should really get one before a return to London, or even manchester, but all four are probab in the mix together for the next european card.

Now, you have Scotland to please also

scudzilla

Mellor wrote: »

I totally agree that at least 1 a year in UK/Ireland, tbh, I'd actually expect more than that.
And I wasn't suggesting a been there done that attitude btw.

But they prob view ireland exacty as you grouped above, as an extension of the UK market.
Dublin is just one city in the mix of London (120 & 95), Manchester (105), Birmingham (89), Newcastle (80), Belfast (72)

So while we should really get one before a return to London, or even manchester, but all four are probab in the mix together for the next european card.

Now, you have Scotland to please also

Don't forget 38 & 75 in London & 70 in Manchester

Rob Carry

Mellor wrote: »

I find it mad that people's desire for the UFC to return to Ireland affects their common sense so much. Do people actually believe that Ireland is a good choice for the UFC, or is that what that wish was the case.

Don't get me wrong, I'd love them to return (although its not of paticular benefit to me, but I can't complain either given my location) but I can remove emotions from the situation and look at it from a realistic viewpoint.

Yes Mellor, we want the UFC to return so much that we turn into idiots every time we think about it.

Ireland was a good choice two years ago, (after which Dana said he wanted to do it again) so it will be a good choice again at some stage.

It's a shame it's all too common these days to see someone arguing so vehemently as to why their country isn't worth taking notice of. Have to say, there's something quite sad about Irish UFC fans whining about and undermining a campaign to bring the UFC back to Ireland.

mma_ireland

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Lads if we don't try how long are we going to be waiting for the return.

Stand up and be counted let Mr. Dana White know we want them back http://twitter.com/#!/danawhite hit his Twitter and let him know. They have merged the WEC and purchased Strikeforce they are a business and want to make a profit which is exactly why they should be returning. A Fan Expo in Dublin would sell out and they would also sell out of merchandise as the Irish fans don't have any real options for purchasing good MMA clothing ranges at home.

the_doctor199

I'm pretty sure Dana knows we want it back considering he's tortured every single Q & A!

Maldini2706

The problem they have is the o2 only holds about 10,000 for a UFC event, it's WAY smaller than any other venue they use. They'll be losing money by holding another event here. I'd say if we do get one it'll be a Fight Night card or something similar. Can't see us getting a full card again any time soon.

unknown13

Mellor

Maldini2706 wrote: »

The problem they have is the o2 only holds about 10,000 for a UFC event, it's WAY smaller than any other venue they use. They'll be losing money by holding another event here. I'd say if we do get one it'll be a Fight Night card or something similar. Can't see us getting a full card again any time soon.

*faceplam*
What are you talking about?

UFC 100 - 10,871 (their most important event at the time)

But look at recent events

UFC 123 - 8,421
UFC 125 - 12,874 (LW title fight)
UFC 126 - 10,893 (MW title fight)
UFC 128 - 12,619 (LHW title fight)

The O2 is my nowhere near "way smaller than any other venue". Obviously eagled eyed detectives will notice I skipped 124 and 127. Which had 23k and 17k seats respectively. But, 124 was a GSP title defence is canada, enough said really. 127 was in Australia, where it has a huge following (even still most of the tickets were bought by touts and they failed to shift them - arena wasn't full.)

The size of the O2 isn't an issue

drayme

They are only running 3 European shows at most.

They would rather fill 17,000 seats than 10,000.

We
arent
getting
a
show
this
year

racso1975

My siters friends boyfriend cousins friend works at o2 and it's defo booked for march 17th next year

MrStuffins

racso1975 wrote: »

My siters friends boyfriend cousins friend works at o2 and it's defo booked for march 17th next year

Confirmed!!

/thread

drayme

drayme wrote: »

They are only running 3 European shows at most.

They would rather fill 17,000 seats than 10,000.

We
arent
getting
a
show
this
year

Your right and wrong , the venue size isnt a problem. Its scheduling issues and its more important for them to break into new territory. There wont be a UFC this year, but next year maybe. They definitely want to do a show back here.

Xlami

racso1975 wrote: »

My siters friends boyfriend cousins friend works at o2 and it's defo booked for march 17th next year

I'm obviously happy to see this but they booked March 17th for 2010 and 2009. As we know the o2 has to be booked months in advance and the UFC always book venues that go unused. I've read UFC 137 has been booked in Liverpool Echo, Nottingham and o2 London. However hopefully this year will be different and they will return in March.

Xlami

Xlami wrote: »

I'm obviously happy to see this but they booked March 17th for 2010 and 2009. As we know the o2 has to be booked months in advance and the UFC always book venues that go unused. I've read UFC 137 has been booked in Liverpool Echo, Nottingham and o2 London. However hopefully this year will be different and they will return in March.

They actually did , they really want to promote the Irish Show in conjunction with St Patricks Day . Fighting (drunk) Irish and all that. THe only problem with that is St Patricks day falling on midweek days .

Professey Chin

Its a saturday next year so mebbees

SanoVitae

I really hope UFC returns to Dublin because they stayed at our hotel last time and trained in the gym!