http://www.theatlantic.com/doc/200811u/lorenzo-fertitta

Talks alot about the business model, etc.

Tells us he lost $44m/was down $44m (something Dana started saying years ago) - which might be a fictional figure, but then won't say if he got that back or not.

We know they took out something like a $300m distribution 2 years ago- so the answer is, he/they got his/their money back many, many times over. They are selective in what they tell us

You can't trust a word he says in all honesty - I concluded that long ago. I also don't believe they lost money on all their PPV events prior to TUF. Even after TUF they were very evasive in telling us whether or not they were profitable (for a long time until it became more than obvious that they were a cash cow).

Even before 05, they were selling everything out at expensive ticket prices and had some good PPV buy numbers and weren't paying much to fighters. I think crying poverty was a business tactic.

Come on VAK, don't buy into the "different business model" excuse for paying people less than other pro sports. Shit, every owner wants to pay people less and the UFC is able to do so by deploying an anti-competitive and strong arm style.

I'm sure the 2 of us could come up with a business model that involved creating a monopoly and paying less than minimum wage, but that wouldn't make our business model legal, ethical or excusable.


LOL - Kimbo like freak show:

When you hear Rickson Gracie talk about how, at the age of 47 or whatever he is now, that he could beat the crap out of these UFC fighters that he sees on TV now, is that an older man’s understandable vanity? Or is he telling the truth?

LF: Let’s do it! I mean, that’s the ultimate test, that’s what I said, right? Let’s find out! If that’s the truth, then let’s find out! I mean, don’t just say it. Let’s do it!

Less then minimum wage? Yeesh, stretching yourself thin there.

The UFC, as popular as they are, do not make the type of money that the major sports make, and they have MUCH more overhead.

How does the UFC have more overhead than major sports?

Originally Posted by MetsFan

How does the UFC have more overhead than major sports?

They pay for the arena rentals, the electric, the advertising, the employees to work the event, etc.

Originally Posted by Zapp Brannigan

They pay for the arena rentals, the electric, the advertising, the employees to work the event, etc.

and this is different then other sports how?

"Historically, real wrestling has been an incredible sport, particularly all around the United States, but there’s never been an outlet.

DS: Nobody wants to watch real wrestling besides wrestlers.
LF: And if you don’t win a gold medal, there’s no outlet to make money, and even if you do win the gold medal, you probably won’t make money either. So what we have become is a great outlet for a guy—you don’t have to be an elite wrestler, you can just be a good high school wrestler. If you have that base, then you have the ability to be a good mixed martial artist. Got these guys now, they can be millionaires and have a career"


Lorenzo gets us!

Rickson = clown