MMA News Forums » MMA Forums » General MMA Forum

[Catalyst]

Overall, UFC 87 didn't really break the mold that Zuffa's production has set as the standard for their PPV's, but there were definitely some subtle additions that I think made this event really good to watch. I went into last weekend not very excited about the event, not being a huge fan of either GSP or Jon Fitch. I knew there would be some good fights, but I wasn't expecting it to be that good of a show. I've really got to take my hat off to Zuffa for investing the time and money necessary for integrating compustrike stats into the commentary, and now they've added stats like percentages for overall successful takedowns/takedown defense, length of time fought off the back, number of times guard has been passed, etc. This information really lends itself well to the casual fan, who is used to hearing this type of in-depth analysis of pretty much every other sport already being broadcast, and it just levels the playing field for the UFC, in my eyes. On top of that, it gives Rogan and Goldberg figures to include in their discussions that help them to sound more educated. I mean, Goldberg can definitely use more help in that department than Rogan, but I seemed to notice more instances of both guys mentioning stats like these, instead of how mean someone is in the octagon, or their precise precision, during UFC 87. Thoughts?

[Bigshanks666]

I totally agree.

It was the little things that made the difference.

I had no idea that before GSP nobody had passed Fitch's guard.

GSP passed his guard and went to mount rather quickly.

[tmlfan]

I agree,

knowing Fitch's guard had never been passed was interesting and that GSP had spent about 5 min on his back total, just some amazing stats. Myself being a stats person, I love NHL and MLB stats, I have always read players stats since I was a kid, and at one point could tell you how many goals, assists and points gretzky had in any year you wanted. So I hope they continue that.

[thumper]

I wasn't shocked or overwhelmed, but that's because the UFC has put on top notch PPV productions for awhile. I've just come to expect it, and they deliver very well.

[Catalyst]

even for fans like myself, that kind of shit is what makes you more impressed with a performance as dominant as GSP's was over Fitch... by the end of the 2nd round, I was rooting for GSP like everyone else, glad for every second of all five of those rounds... now, if they could only use these stats for all of the fights on their cards, they would really be upping the ante... the way they hyped up Heath Herring for this fight, after his lackluster performances in the UFC to date, was pretty shameful, and an obvious ploy to put some steam back in the sails of the Brock Lesnar marketing machine... and this is coming from a Heath Herring fan... as soon as Lesnar unloaded that first right hand on Herring, it was no longer about how skilled of a fighter Herring was, but how dominant of an up-and-coming force Lesnar has now proven he will be in the UFC's HW division... still just a bit too biased for my liking

[surfrock66]

See, I like the stats, but the way they integrated them was kind of awkward. I don't know how they could improve it; would it be campy to have a "Stats and interviews" person separate from the announcers, like a "Let's check in with Bla Bla to see some numbers on this fight." I think it's a growing pain, it'll get better.

[Madd Wilk]

I totally agree with you man, the stats were a very nice addition. This card was simply phenomenal. The crowd didn't even boo, that's how good this card was. When was the last time that happened?

This card also showed the great roster depth that the UFC has. In my opinion, their depth is what sets them leagues apart from every other major MMA organization out there.

I'm really looking forward to seeing the UFC incorporate these statistical references into every fight. It should only get better in that regard from here on out.

Rep'd for starting this thread, great thoughts man.

[ChrisAM]

The stats were ok to know, but Goldberg brought them up WAY too much, he could just say it once before the fight then thats it, we really don't need to be reminded 10 times in the fight.

[crosshearttat]

agree with you. i thought about starting the same post when they got into percentages. the ufc's stepping up and the fans will be the winners. i think rogan and goldberg sounded more cohesive too...

[Dan0]

The stats got me thinking, and I count GSP being on his back an additional 1 minute 18 seconds this fight.