Quick Google Trend search "UFC" shows that the overall interest in users searching for "UFC" is at UFC 33: Victory in Vegas 9/28/2001 levels.
A major drop off from their all time high's in July of 2009 when the UFC held UFC:100 7/11/2009
Understand this is simply a quick generic look into overall interest in the search term UFC so UFC fans do not need to get all worked up.
Although I do feel it is important that the UFC should take notice and pay attention to the rapid decline in their product.
For some time now, many fans have felt the supersaturation of UFC shows would sap the level of interest from the fans and if the chart above is any indicator this may in fact be true.
I dont think we need to discuss the reasons for the rapid decline and some will argue that the UFC is making record profits, which in fact is most likely true, but there is a lag in reality - as the profits are a direct result from 08-12's performances, now the performances from 13-present will not be felt in the books for another couple years or so.
The question right now should be;
How can the UFC reverse the trend and spark the fans interests again?
The Road Not Taken by Robert Frost. - Read this poem, its a good reference as to where the UFC currently stands.
First the UFC needs to decide what direction they want to go, and how they want to define their brand.
Legit Sport
Is the UFC trying to be a legit sport where rankings matter and fights are lined up based on official rankings? If so then they "Must" follow this format to a T - and can no longer make off the wall match-ups or give undeserved title shots to fighters for simply being a company man. (Chael Sonnen)
Vs.
Sports Entertainment
Is the UFC looking solely for ratings and profits? - If this is the case then Sonnen and his WWE-esque gimmicks can become common with various fighters as we will see manufactured beef settled inside the Octagon in a real-life MMA fight - stables or "gyms" against gyms will become common the hype can be built up in many different ways.
Either way the UFC needs to choose a path and just roll with it ....
Now as fans here on the UG, we need to do some brain storming and help spark that interest in the UFC again, so lets come up with some ideas to help rebuild the UFC to new heights:
Ideas to help the UFC reach record profits going forward:
-Entrances - bring back the Ramp, Fireworks, elaborate walkins - put on a show for the crowds.
-Commentary - we all love Rogan, Goldie, but now's a great time to bring in some of the old fighters to do some commentary - axe the company men Florian/Annik - more Stann, Sonnen, Couture?. ect.
-Judging - This has been a killer in the UFC, some just off the wall bat-shit crazy decisions, corrupt judges? trying to throw fights in Vegas? .....all conspiracy - but a quick fix to end the speculation is bringing in legit Judges or old MMA fighters to score the fights accordingly.
-Referees - This is hit or miss - for the most part the UFC referees do a fairly good job - but a few judges consistently error, great time to bring in some old UFC fighters to transition into refereeing fights. "Chris Leben"?
-Tournaments - 2015 - has a lot of potential - this is a great opportunity for the UFC to hold an event that will spark the interest and hold their interest for an entire year - building up the momentum till the grand finale!
In 2015 the UFC needs to do this.
Jon Jones vacates the LHW Title - moves up to Heavyweight - takes a couple fights before challenging for the Title. (I'll come back to this)
2015 UFC 16 Man Light Heavyweight Tournament Spanning 12 months - with the Title Fight at the end of the year.
January 2nd 2016 - Madison Square Garden, New York!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
With Ramps - Fireworks -and all the Glitz and glamour of NEW YORK NEW YORK!
Main Card:
GP LHW Title Fight: TBD Vs. TBD
Heavyweight Title Fight: Jon Jones Vs. TBD
WW Title Fight TBD Vs. TBD
LW Title Fight TBD Vs. TBD
TBD Vs. TBD (fedor vs. lesnar?)
UFC makes it's long awaited debut into the New York market and Madison Square Garden when the UFC's Light Heavyweight Grand Prix Tournament commences on January 2nd 2016 and a Champion will be crowned! Also New York, the return of your King Jon Bones Jones takes on Heavyweight Champions (unknown) in this fight for the ages! Bring in the New Year at the UFC's Parade of Champions!
Google Trend "UFC": Interest drops to UFC:33 level - MMA Forum