The Unknown Poster

Observer: When the Fertitta brothers and Dana White first bought the Ultimate Fighting Championship for $2 million back in 2001, they took on a company that wasn't regulated in many states and countries, one that was a small blip on the average sports fan's radar, and one that was bleeding money and almost extinct. 15 years later, things have changed. The sport of MMA is a known and covered entity by major sports publications, is regulated in all states and most major countries, and can be a content and financial force at both the major and minor league levels when done right. And with all that, the UFC, the true brand name in MMA, has risen to not just the forefront of the sport but as three letters that embody the sports and that transcend pop culture. Even they don't watch fighting, people know the letters U-F-C. And that is what makes Tuesday night's news that many behind the scenes had heard about for months such an amazing thing if you think about all that it took to get here: the UFC could be sold between $3.5 and $4 billion in the not-too-distant future. ESPN's Darren Rovell reported Tuesday night that sources have told him several groups are in on the bidding which include China Media Capital, entertainment power WME/IMG, The Blackstone Group, and Dalian Wanda Group. From Rovell's report: "Investment bank Goldman Sachs has been representing Zuffa LLC, which bought the UFC in 2001 for only $2 million. Sources with knowledge of the numbers presented to potential investors said that Goldman Sachs had represented UFC's last full year earnings in the $200 million to $250 million range, before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization. A new television rights deal, which would begin in 2019, could add an additional $250 million in annual revenue to the bottom line, investors were advised." Note that many have cited that the current UFC and Fox deal is worth about $100 million annually. $250 million in just U.S. based money would be a significant increase, but perhaps is an option if the UFC decides to take more shows off PPV in favor of a TV partner, Fight Pass, or a combo of both. Rovell says the leader is believed to be Dalian Wanda Group, led by Wang Jianlin, China's richest man. The group has getting more and more involved in pro sports, and recently bought U.S. film studio and entertainment company Legendary Entertainment. Here are more details on DWG and the rest of the bidders. So Why Now? And What Now? That's the $4 billion question, right? Considering the ROI on that initial $2 million, both the Fertittas (each 40.5% owners), Flash Entertainment (10%) and White (9%) are going to get paid handsomely. The kids of their kids of their kids are going to be set and then some rich. (Well, they are already, but you get it.) Think about it though: Zuffa has built the preeminent fight brand of all time, bought out all of their major competitors, trailblazed with their TV deals, helped power the sport being legalized throughout the globe, and have built a model where three distinct revenue drivers (PPV, Internet, traditional TV) show no signs of slowing down. The only areas left for pioneering aren't of interest to them: primarily the unionization of the fighters.

Broken heroes on a last chance power drive.

Big Pens fan and have them in my pool. Great night.

I stand corrected. I thought I had heard he had trouble getting over the border.

Joe was so unmotivated in TNA that a couple of times they took him off TV to re-package him with a big push and asked him to get in shape and he came back fatter. At his age, I'd be using him on RAW right now. Worse case scenario, you get 3-5 solid years and you can always send him back to NXT as a player/coach for years after.

Very true! Would be hilarious if he refuses a trade a week before free agency. God forbid Tampa get *anything* from their years of development.

But what will the Jets do... In NHL16, JP is rated higher than PL, so that's what I would do.

And if the situation destabilizes in, say, six months? The way I heard it, that was part of the situation but there were other complications. None of which seemed to me to be something he couldnt deal with while playing in New York. But apparently he is a big family man and it was important for him to be here to help out. I wouldnt be surprised if the Jets have a convo with him in three years

I almost got into a brawl with Joe once and wrote a very critical critique of his appearance here so Im a tough crowd when it comes to Joe. But I have to say I've been enjoying him in NXT. He seems like its ten years ago. He's in the best shape he's been in for years, working hard, seems committed and driven. I like that he's unique and a good worker. He has an "it" factor and an aura around him. I dont think there is anyone on the main roster who could interrupt Brock Lesnar and people would think it was special...but Joe could. I really think that.

The nature of the reason he wanted to be here could have changed. It was something that, having dealt with it while playing in New York all season, he might have realised it could take care of it without being here.

Perfect timing. Someone prepare the welcome wagon.

Reports around here were Isles wanted Trouba. So just as well. All things being equal, I'd have traded Myers for Hamonic. But this isnt a net negative for the Jets. We're the same. And now the issue is removed.

Well doesnt change things too much for the Jets. It doesnt surprise me if what I heard was the issue is correct. Didnt seem like something that desperately required him being here...But maybe revisit it when his contract is up...

Oh I have. She's very attractive. But not out of the realm of women we could all date. I've dated hotter. lol

I dont think Guy. Kyle.

I like the actress. She's "normal" hot. Not unattainable hot. The guy representing all of America falls for a regular looking girl makes sense.

Didnt Cap hook up with Diamondback in the comics? I used to collect and seem to remember that...

Waiting for the announcement that the Green Lantern in JLA will be Guy Gardner....

Not yet! Is it good???

Im not a huge X-men guys so Im more of a laymen. Havent seen the movie yet. I really liked Days of Future Past. If I understand correctly, First Class was meant as a new "re-booted" franchise, so Days had to connect the two and did a really good, in my humble opinion. Looking forward to seeing the new film but even if its good, it will look worse off next to Captain America. I think the R rating speaks more to the freedom to deliver an adult story without dumbing it down. And ofcourse, if the R rating isnt a hindrance then why not? Probably indicates the core audience is 18+ and the 14-17 will see it one way or another anyway. Im sure many parents will take their kids. If it's R for violence and language, most people seem cool with that. As long as no one is naked. Dont want the teenagers to see what a naked human looks like. Watching a human get eviscerated is fine though. ;-)

Primo & Epico will just be a decent mid level tag team that never really matches their potential. They should bring in Carlito to help get them over. Steph just makes me cringe. She eats the boys alive. Its one thing to be a good promo but its another to just swallow everyone alive. And the angle, thus far, makes Shane look like an idiot. If he doesnt screw her before she screws him, he's just another dumb babyface that Steph/Hunter got over on. RAW was good though. The main event program is actually really interesting. Didnt take long for AJ Styles to be a top guy and its finally getting Roman over to a degree (not the way want, but over nonetheless). They've taken a bad situation and making the most of it with Big Cass. Have to be careful about over-scripting his promos. But he's doing alright for himself. I assume they will deliver on the match with Jericho on SD or next week. Hopefully Cass goes over. Interesting, when Ambrose attacked Jericho in the dark and had the hood over his head, I thought maybe it was Enzo...that would have been a pop. If they dont plan to bring Joe up into this Styles/Roman angle, they are missing out. He's not related but they could say he is!

I think Vegas would largely be successful.

MTS agreed to a new deal with one of their Unions that saw little to no concessions made by the Union plus a small increase every year for three years. Feeling among the membership is that company wants no labor strife during the sale process.

That kept occurring to me too. They dance around the issue of Captain and Peggy Carter...like, okay, he unthaws and she's 80 years old. So...is he still in love with her? Does he not date her because she's so old? Does the younger Carter remind him of her?

Matthews picked Laine's pocket today and set up a goal as a result.