Part I
*originally published in the Jun ’01 issue of Full Contact Fighter*
It developed amidst rumors and guesses, and seemed to sprout up out of nothing. The facts were slow to bloom – appearing only as the fighters one by one confirmed that they were on the card. Yet, though it all, one thing was evident: something big was going to happen in
There’s no official name for it – some call it “UFC 37.5”, while others label it as the “UFC at Bellagio”. But whatever its designation, this show is history in the making. Though it won’t be on pay-per-view (much to the chagrin of the ardent fans) and seating is limited to the few thousand that the venue can hold, this UFC has the potential to reach nearly half-a-million cable television viewers. This is Zuffa’s big shot at crossing over into the mainstream – and they know it.
Taking No Chances
“It’s going be an historic show for mixed martial arts,” says UFC president Dana White. White knows that this is the sport’s biggest shot in years at leaving an indelible impression on the general public, and that this impression must be that MMA is most thrilling sport out there. The fights have to be incredible and the show must be stellar. The “Best Damn Sport Show” will air only one of the June 22nd bouts – the best one – so it needs to be a barnburner. Stacking the odds in their favor, White and matchmaker Joe Silva have light-heavyweight superstars Vitor Belfort and Chuck Liddell headlining the card. And following the recipe for sure-fire action from the last show’s barrage of blazing ‘young guns’, seven newcomers and three hard-hitting veterans complete the roster. Welterweight sluggers Steve Berger and Robbie Lawler will return to meet up in the cage, and the heavy-handed welterweight Benji Radach will face rookie and Nick Serra. The other newcomer match-ups include middleweights Tony Fryklund and Rodrigo Ruas, welterweights Joao Marcos Pierini and Josh Thompson, and welterweights Pete Spratt and Zach Light – all hungry up-and-comers practically guaranteeing action. Did the success of UFC 37 have anything to do with the implementation of this show? “No,” says White. “It’s no secret we’re shopping for TV deals… But it did have a lot to do with the makeup of the fights.”
Aside from the thrills within the cage, what happens outside of it must be just as impressive. Adding to the odds of a great show is comedian Joe Rogan as guest commentator. The host of the ultra-popular “Fear Factor”, Rogan (an avid MMA enthusiast himself) brings with him mainstream appeal and acceptance – an essential component in garnering new fans. And what better way to round out the production than to have the Bellagio packed with ardent followers of the sport? By offering fans a week-long special rate at the nearby Palace Station Hotel and
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