Pre-TUF UFC crowds Compared To Post-TUF UFC Crowds

[Body_Shots]

Huge difference, they were just as lively (as American fans are) but they knew alot more about MMA than the newer crowds, they also weren't as impacient, especially when the fight hits the ground. I was recently watching some of the older fights like Barnett vs Couture, Riley vs Lawler, Ricco vs Couture and realized it. They're great fights but there are parts where the action slows down considerably. I don't know if some of newer crowds would appreciate something like a Shamrock vs Ortiz or a Couture vs Rodriguez. Matt Lindland in a recent interview spoke about the fans getting alot younger at his shows, and the UFC has been hitting the 18-34 demographic like no one else.

So the question is, is it good or bad to have such a youth driven fan base?

[CHH]

Good. TUF=$$$$$$

[dy-no-mite3000]

not only is it good but its great and HUGE for business.

The UFC, unlike ANY other sport out there has seen their business model grow by insane percentages over the past 3 years now, is hitting the single most important demographic that EVERY company in America strives to assertain.... the 18 to 34 male demographic(ofcourse some companies in business key other demo's, but financially the 18 to 24 male demo spends more per capital than any other demo group in the country)

So with the boom and growth, has made the company what it is today, and the growth means everyone benefits. woogies company would have never grown without the UFC megapowerhouse conglomerate.

on a side note, just like with your favourite indy band who strikes it big, goes from playing in front of 200 people playing all your favourite songs, to selling out 15,000 seat arenas, playing their radio hits, foregoing your classic favourites. with fancy lights and fancier packaging.... with the growth and mainstream hype, you do feel like you lose something of your own, a personal baby in a sense, where it isnt "yours" anymore when everyone loves it.

me personally, i've lived it in my life with many bands, with ecw and ofcourse with the ufc as it gets bigger every day with every show, the fact that their shows are in the top 20 now for most recorded tivo shows weekly, surpassing monday night raw who is at 25... says something for its power as a whole, but the days of getting seats at a ufc event 20-25 rows from the cage for 150 bucks are no more, as ticket sales keep rising, while attendance keeps soring.

[G-row]

Yep, I would agree. More fans=more money=more UFC.
In every sport, there are dip shits that really don't understand what is going on. But those dip shits bring in revenue. So, to me, the more the merrier.

[Body_Shots]

Good responses, anyone opposed to this young influx of fans?

Another pro (for the UFC) is that these fans are pliable, they easily buy into their marketing. I guess the hope is that they grow with sport and this isn't a fad.

[H]

if there is one thing the 18-34 demo is going to like, its watching people get down and kick some ass. great thing and goes perfect together. a match made in heaven. its finally been realized. i think the ufc continues to gain momentum because of all of these things factored in.