UFC 122 will be aired for FREE via SPOX.com, as the TV deal in Germany called off
Posted on November 7, 2010, 08:20 AM by Anton Gurevich“The network that we were on is DSF. DSF broadcasts from within Bavaria, which is one of the states in Germany, where Munich is located. So the TV licensing authority in Bavaria is the one that withdrew the approvals for the UFC to air on television.
We have actually filed a lawsuit against the licensing authority there, the BLM. So we’re in the middle of litigation with the BLM, basically asserting our right that we thought it was improper to remove the UFC from television.
We were able to secure one of the leading sports websites (in Germany). The group is called SPOX.com, they’re I think the number two or three most trafficked German language sports website, so they have become our sort of official German language partner for (UFC 122).” - Marshall Zelaznik via MMAWeekly.com.
Well, it looks like after Germany will not become MMA-friendly nation. Only 150 kilometers from Oberhausen, in Holland, MMA and K-1 are legit sports with dozens of events throughout the year. I may not hide my feelings here and say that it's a pure hypocrisy, as Boxing is one of the biggest sports in Germany (IBF, WBC, WBO and many other Boxing titles are often defended in Germany). It's nothing but a political decision, in my eyes, and I doubt the UFC will return to Germany ever again after UFC 122. It's a huge blow for Dana White and his promotion, especially with Germany being a gateway for good business in the EU.
Maybe Dana White should promote UFC in the Netherlands. This could be a great solution for the German, as well as French, Belgian and Norwegian fans, where MMA is still illegal.
Comments
"Well, it looks like after Germany will not become MMA-friendly nation. Only 150 kilometers from Oberhausen, in Holland, MMA and K-."
nah, not really. for instance, check out whats going on in Amsterdam:
http://www.thepetitionsite.com/5/save-the-martial-arts-events-in-amsterdam-the-netherlands/
and seriuosly? i don´t even wanna watch such a fight card on screen for free. if you want to make "good business in the EU" you gotta deliver, mr white...
does somebody knows if the free online broadcast can be seen outside Germany, in the EU. I suppose ESPN will broadcast it for the UK public, but any chance to watch the event for other countries?
probably not
I'm pretty sure the internet is not bound by physical location. "www" stands for something, but I can't remember what it is . . .
Germany will always years behind the rest of the world when it comes to public acceptance of what appears as a violent sport to them.
Its taken that country many years to heal and move forward.
nah.... its only Bavaria that is traditionally extremely conservative and "religious" (if you will) state in Germany.... but at the same time they are also the richest of all states, and given that DSF is located in Munich - there you have the mess. Anyway believe me the rest of Germany is much more openminded and progressive
Good to see hard facts from a native, maybe thats just the impression Ive taken.
well let go Netherlands.... why arent they bringing the UFC to Italy?? would be awesome. our 74 years old prime minister is regularly having sex with 18 year old prostitutes apart from being a financial criminal and still he has the people behind him, so the prevalent moral standard should bear a UFC card IMO
I think they hold the events in germany because of the larger audience that it draws there. The Netherlands would be a good alternative, if you are willing to pay 150 euros for a ticket you should also be willing to drive for a few hours.
As for MMA being banned, the only reason the mayor of Amsterdam wants to ban current fight events is because of the organizers. Not because he believes the events themselves are immoral. There won't be a ban on the sport but a ban on certain organizers who just happen to organize these MMA events
does this have any effect on the United States viewing on Spike?
not at all, the UFC just failed to get a tv deal in Germany and instead are streaming the event to a German sports website. The UFC can broadcast everywhere else.
@MMAW, thanx didn't think it would just wanted to make sure before I invited some friends over for the weekend lol.