It was Sam Caplan’s Five Oz. of Pain article that caught my eye, but Pramit Mohapatra over at Sports Illustrated was able to talk to Dana White about an upcoming television deal. And while White was quick to say that a deal was in the works and that the UFC would “absolutely” be on television in the near future, I don’t believe a word. White is a good talker, but he hasn’t been living up to his talk when it comes to signing with a major network. While understand that many networks would be hesitant to ink a deal with a fighting organization, White seems to want to assure us that something is going to happen when we know it won’t. It’s the typical politician move and the best Q&A is this one:
Pramit Mohapatra: You’ve been connected to three major networks — two broadcast and one cable — HBO, CBS, and NBC. Which of those would you say the deals are still alive and which are dead?
Dana White: That’s a good, sneaky question. I’d say they’re all still alive. We’re talking to a lot of different networks, and no door has closed with any network.
You notice how White had to say “sneaky”? He’s still a trash talker who who has a hard time absorbing the intentions of the media. But let’s go back to his response of “We’re talking to a lot of different networks.” I’ll say that is a lie. Why? Well White doesn’t want to give up anything. He’s a control freak and while talking to John Philapavage, he mentioned one of the big reasons for the broken HBO deal was the issue of having 100% control over everything. I guess I just didn’t realize just how ridiculous Dana White is. The media world just doesn’t work that way and when it comes to the UFC, I don’t blame any of the networks for wanting some control over the content. Just look at Dana White and his potty mouth. Or perhaps “talking” means “asking” and “a lot” means “three.” I honestly just don’t know anymore. Except for the bluff thing, of course.
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January 20th, 2008 at 10:29 pm
YOU’RE calling Dana White’s bluff. I’m sure Dana won’t be able to sleep tonight, knowing you’ve called his bluff. HIlarious.
January 20th, 2008 at 10:57 pm
Its hilarious that you can’t even use your real name to make fun of me too!
January 21st, 2008 at 2:37 pm
Right on. I was thinking the exact same thing when I read that interview.
Dana talked the exact same way about HBO. Sayin’ a deal was imminent and would be done very soon.
There will be NO TV deal, besides SPIKE, until Dana gives up control. Which doesn’t look like it will happen in our lifetime.
January 21st, 2008 at 6:54 pm
It would be a very marketable deal for an ESPN2, or a lower level sports channel to pick up a UFC contract. Look at Spike, the UFC is a large part of their success.
January 25th, 2008 at 3:12 pm
Dana is Dana, and he wouldn’t have gotten far in the world if he wasn’t so blunt with people. It’s one of the real reasons why I like the guy, though occassionally he says stuff that pisses me off.
As for the TV deal, I think that there’s a good chance we will see them sign a major network deal. I think Dana will stay away from HBO because he really wants to sink into the mainstream, though I’m sure he’ll follow the money.
He’s already agreed to another season of TUF with Spike, but he may end up doing what the IFL did and just create another show. His contract with Spike does not give them exclusive access to all things UFC, as we have seen with the creation of UFC Wired.
January 25th, 2008 at 4:08 pm
Good points, Josh. It’s that aura of “Dana” that sets the UFC apart in some parts of the business while simultaneously hurting them in other aspects.
I’m sure there will be a big story when the news finally breaks and I’m expecting Meltzer to have all the details for us as well.