Is UFC 168 PPV price hike justified?
Recently it was discovered that the UFC would be raising the cost of the UFC 168 by $5.00 to $59.95…
Recently it was discovered that the UFC would be raising the cost of the UFC 168 by $5.00 to $59.95 for the HD broadcast. UFC President Dana White revealed that this would be for this one event, and not a permanent change when questioned by the media.
Most fans have complained about the price increase, but is it justified with two title fights and one probably the biggest rematch in UFC history? B/R’s Chad Dundas argues the point:
It knows most of us will grumble and mumble our complaints but then tune in anyway to watch one of the biggest fights in UFC history.
Granted, on the surface the decision appears to fly in the face of the promotion’s current talking points. Raising prices doesn’t jive with White’s continued assertion that the UFC’s numbers are down across the board and sponsorship money is scarce for fighters because the economy continues to slump. Nor does it bode well for an organization so vocal (and litigious) in its efforts to quell online piracy.
If White is right about the economy, and the UFC is justified in its fears regarding digital hijacking, then it’s hard to see how the company can defend asking fans to bear an added financial burden to enjoy the spoils of UFC 168. In fact, it’s pretty nakedly contradicting itself with a decision that will only exacerbate both factors.
Maybe that’s why White’s not even bothering trying to explain.
Because let’s also not kid ourselves. What’s going on here is entirely pragmatic.
Early estimates say this PPV could crest one million buys, and the president himself is on record saying he believes it’ll be the fight promotion’s biggest show ever.
So Underground, justified or not? And whether or not it’s justified, is the $5.00 enough to make you not order?
