Big News From The Big Apple
Big News from the Big Apple UFC 32 Press Conference Features New Cable Deal Announcement, Carmen Electra Appearance By Aaron Crecy NEW YORK–When Zuffa LLC acquired the Ultimate Fighting Championship on January 10, 2001, one of its top priorities was to return the event to the national cable pay-per-view status it had once enjoyed. Another of its goals was to re-package the UFC as a high level athletic competition rather than the barbaric spectacle that it had become. Now, just six months later, that is exactly what has transpired.
But what created the greatest buzz was Fertitta’s announcement that the UFC has partnered with iN DEMAND, one of the largest and most expansive providers of in-home entertainment programming such as sporting events, concerts, first run movies and out-of-market NFL, NBA, MLB and NHL subscription packages.
Of course, there was ample discussion of Friday night’s event, Showdown in the Meadowlands. The UFC 32 lineup boasts a total of eight fights-two preliminary match-ups, four bouts on the main card and two main events. The co-main events include a light heavyweight title bout between Tito Ortiz and Elvis Sinosic, and a lightweight match between Din Thomas and BJ Penn. And while Sinosic offered pleasantries to Zuffa and the New Jersey Athletic Commission, the outspoken Ortiz was all too willing to add fuel to the fire.
Thomas was equally candid when asked about his fight with Penn. "Expect an early Fourth of July-there are going to be a lot of fireworks tonight," he predicted. UFC 32 Showdown in the Meadowlands represents a significant challenge for the UFC and Zuffa as the event moves from Atlantic City to the larger Continental Airlines Arena at the Meadowlands. But according to Fertitta, the UFC expects a capacity crowd and an exciting show. "It’s a huge step up for the sport of mixed martial arts," he explained. "We are heading to a venue that’s high profile-it’s very large, we’re going to have 13,000 seats, ticket sales are going very, very well, we expect to have a packed house and I think everyone should be there to see the coming out party for the UFC." |
MMA Behind Bars Pictures From Oz By Joel Gold HBO hit series Oz shot its final episode of the new season yesterday and FCF was on hand. UFC talent was plentiful with Frank Shamrock playing a member of a Sicilian gang as does Igor Zinoviev and, always the good guy, UFC Heavyweight Champ, Randy Couture plays a prison guard along with UFC commentator Jeff Blatnick. More info in the upcoming issue of FCF….
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