Quote:
MMAPayout.com has learned that Countdown to UFC 90 drew 796,000 viewers on Spike TV last Thursday. That number is good enough to make it the most watched Countdown show of the year and believed to be the most watched in the history of the program.
Based on that number, MMAPayout.com projects that UFC 90 will draw 626,839 buys. The formula used to project pay-per-view buys based on countdown viewership has been remarkably accurate this year, however, a number that high would shock the MMA industry.
Anderson Silva has been a weak performer on pay-per-view historically and this event was perceived to be one of the weakest lineups of the year for the UFC. However, it is Silva’s first headlining bout since the UFC’s push of him as the best pound for pound fighter in the world, which included a heavy TV rollout for his bout with James Irvin on Spike in July. A number above 500,000, let alone 600,000, would be a testament to the marketing muscle of the UFC and Spike.
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This is great news! If he becomes a huge draw then chances are when his contract is up he will be offered a large amount of money. Maybe it will be an offer he cannot refuse and derail any thoughts of retirment. However, I hope the performance at UFC 90 did not hurt his marketability.
Countdown to UFC 90 Draws Record Audience; Is Silva Poised to Breakout as a Draw? : MMAPayout.com: The Business of MMA