Expectations were high for the UFC when Jon Jones vs. Daniel Cormier was announced as the main event of their January 3rd PPV. Dana White stated during fight week that he predicted 750,000 buys for this much-anticipated showdown, and it looks like they surpassed expectations. MMA Fighting’s Dave Meltzer reports that estimated buyrates are coming in at between 740,000-820,000, making 182 the best-selling PPV since UFC 168: Weidman vs. Silva 2, which pulled in about 1 million. This news comes on the heels that the show also boasted the 2nd highest-rated preliminary card special in Fox Sports 1’s history.
Jones’ previous top-selling PPV was UFC 145 against Rashad Evans, which drew 700,000 buys and was promoted along the similar lines of intense dislike, with the twist of the two men being former teammates at Greg Jackson’s camp. In fact, UFC 182 has a higher buyrate than Jones’ last two outings combined (vs. Alexander Gustafsson and Glover Teixeira).
This is obviously a welcome relief for the UFC after a rough 2014, and their upcoming PPVs — Silva vs. Diaz and Weidman vs. Belfort (with Rousey vs. Zingano) — should provide them a good start to the first quarter of 2015.
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