UFC programming is a hit in Mexico; best yet to come
When you consider the love affair Mexico has with combat sports, as well as the storied warriors who have hailed…
When you consider the love affair Mexico has with combat sports, as well as the storied warriors who have hailed from that nation, it should have been no surprise that the debut airing of the UFC in Mexico last Saturday night was a huge success. And it was a hit, as UFC 100’s broadcast on channel 9 garnered a peak IPOBE rating of 13.30, which surpassed that of a boxing event and soccer match also airing at the same time.
We definitely knew that the Mexican people were hungry for the UFC, said Lorenzo Fertitta, Chairman and CEO of UFC. We paved the way with the WEC, which was getting a great response in Mexico, and we knew that once you put this program on free TV, it would work.
The UFC 100 broadcast was the first of the deal between the UFC and Grupo Televisa, the world’s largest Spanish-speaking media company. It was a partnership long in the making, and one celebrated on July 8th in Mexico City with a press conference attended by two of the UFC’s finest, lightweight prospect Efrain Escudero and heavyweight contender Cain Velasquez, both of whom proudly celebrate their Mexican roots.
That press conference was awesome, said Escudero, a native of San Luis Rio Colorado. It was something I had never experienced before, and the Mexican people treated me great. I really enjoyed it.
It was great, agreed Velasquez. Everyone who was there greeted us with open arms and they all told us that they enjoyed the UFC and that they were super excited that it’s going to be shown over there now. And for me, it was an honor being in Mexico City. I’ve dreamed of going down there since I was little, and it was an honor to go there and represent my family and UFC.
With all the major media players in the city present, the UFC team met the press and outlined its hopes for the future of the organization in Mexico. Escudero and Velasquez were particularly popular with the media, as both epitomize what fans expect from a Mexican fighter. Basically, you’re a gentleman outside the ring and a never say die warrior in it. The two UFC standouts are fine with that categorization.
I’m a very nice person, but I love taking care of business, said Escudero, winner of season eight of The Ultimate Fighter. There’s a time for fun and there’s a time where you say, ‘hey, it’s time to go after somebody.’
I think it’s in our blood, said Velasquez, who is coming off a stirring win over Cheick Kongo at UFC 99 in June. The things that are popular in Mexico are boxing, wrestling, and bullfighting. We love a good fight and to see someone leave it all out there. That’s our style. We go out and fight with all our hearts. If the fans know you were out there and pretty much gave it all and didn’t give up, they’re behind you a hundred percent; if you go out there and you gave up, they’ll disown you. You cannot do that.
