Postcard from the Couch: Jackson vs. Jardine
Skepticism. That’s the vibe I felt I was getting from some folks about UFC 96 in the week leading up to the event. Skepticism. Because Quinton Jackson versus Keith Jardine wasn’t the main event some folks wanted to see right now. Skepticism. Because some folks felt that a majority of the undercard was rather underwhelming. Skepticism. Which got me thinking: entering Saturday night, what would the... [Read More...]
Postcard from the Couch: Sanchez vs. Stevenson
UFC 95: Sanchez vs. Stevenson was facing a couple of hurdles entering its telecast on Saturday night. The first hurdle was subjective. While this writer was not bothered by the supposed lack of star power, there are those who came into the show viewing it as a potential subpar card. Next was the challenge of producing a well-paced telecast on Spike TV. Despite the bug on the screen that said “Live... [Read More...]
UFC Fight Night 17: Postcard from the Couch
When watching a live, commercial broadcast of a mixed martial arts event such as UFC Fight Night 17, two things are required: patience and luck. Patience is for the viewer at home. Unlike a pay-per-view show, the network carrying the event – in this case, Spike TV – is obligated to hit a specific number of commercial breaks for various reasons. Remember, it’s a business, but for that reason alone,... [Read More...]
Putting The “Fix” in Affliction
If Affliction Entertainment has a future as a successful promotion in the world of mixed martial arts, then they best get out their tool kits and fix a major problem: the production of their pay-per-view telecasts. Putting on quality fights – at least through their first two pay-per-view events (“Affliction: Banned” and “Affliction: Day of Reckoning“) – hasn’t been an... [Read More...]
Postcard from the Couch: UFC 93 Franklin vs. Henderson
Welcome to the latest edition of Post Card From The Couch: UFC 93 Franklin vs. Henderson. It’s freezing here in New York City. Like watch your breath freeze in mid-air freezing. And that’s INSIDE of my apartment, so I can’t imagine what it’s like outside. Honestly, today is the perfect day to sit on the couch and watch a live, mid-afternoon UFC pay per view. Of course, the reason behind the... [Read More...]
Postcard from the Couch: UFC 92 Edition
Welcome to the UFC 92 edition of “Postcard from the Couch.” I’ve wised up since beginning this column not too long ago. The UFC, regardless of what their competitors (or lack thereof) do, is going to do what they do, the way they want to do it, and when they want to do it, end of story. Is this a bad thing? No, because the UFC and Zuffa do a fine job of producing their televised events as they... [Read More...]
Postcard from the Couch: The Ultimate Fighter 8 Finale
Welcome to the latest edition of Postcard From The Couch: The Ultimate Fighter 8 Finale. Before I get into my pre-broadcast thoughts on tonight’s event, I want to quickly express my feelings about the UFC‘s recent “Fight For The Troops” show on Spike TV. Because of the nature of the event, I thought a PCFTC critiquing it would have been inappropriate. However, I want to commend... [Read More...]
Postcard from the Couch: Reviewing Strikeforce “Destruction”
Welcome to Postcard from the Couch – Strikeforce: Destruction. I’ve looked forward to this edition of P.C.F.T.C. because it’s the first one I’ve written that hasn’t focused on a UFC event. Ironically, I came away from tonight appreciating the UFC more than ever. Strikeforce: Destruction, which aired live on HDNet – and on my 42-inch high-def television with a surround sound home theater... [Read More...]
Postcard from the Couch: “UFC 91 – Couture vs. Lesnar”
As I have stated in my first two editions of P.C.F.T.C., I am not a mixed martial arts expert. Having become a serious fan in only the past two years, I still have a lot to learn. I also do not practice MMA, which would surely help educate me on the sport. There are writers on this very website – and fans reading this article right now – who practice MMA and are, quite frankly, more knowledgeable... [Read More...]
Postcard from the Couch: UFC 90 – Silva vs. Cote
Welcome to “Postcard from the Couch” – UFC 90: Silva vs. Cote. Before we get to the action, I would like to thank those of you who commented on or emailed me about the first edition of P.C.F.T.C., which covered UFC 89: Bisping vs. Leben. Some enjoyed the read, while others were extremely critical of my in-fight graphic suggestions and Bud Light Lime as my beer of choice. Regardless,... [Read More...]
Postcard from the Couch: UFC 89 – Bisping vs. Leben
Welcome to the first edition of “Postcard from the Couch.” The goal of P.C.F.T.C. – that’s right, I’ve already declared it good enough to abbreviate – is actually quite simple. P.C.F.T.C. will break down and analyze the television production of selected, televised MMA events in a “minute by minute” (give or take a few) format. My hope is that my analysis, along with my sporadic... [Read More...]
