Innovative Idea Tested at UFC 85 | Sports by the Numbers MMA

As some of you know, I attended UFC 85 in London as a guest of UFC UK President Marshall Zelaznik. We, my friends and I, had great seats, just behind and to the right of the VIP seating.

The fights were just underway when Marshall came over and gave our group three little boxes inside a plastic bag. They turned out to be radios capable of picking up commentary of the fights, and he wanted us to test them out.

This is a very innovative idea. Often many fans sit in the arena wondering what is going on, especially when the fighters are on the ground. With the radio, I was able to listen to Rogan and Goldberg while watching the fights live.

For me this was great because it offered something of validation and collaboration regarding what I saw with the action. Often I would comment that I thought one fighter was setting up this or that move and then Rogan would mention the same thing, or something else altogether, and I would start looking for that.

For my friend who does not have any knowledge of the ground game, it was great for her because she was able to listen to Rogan and then realize that the fighters were actually working for a specific move.

Overall, it was a very unique and enjoyable experience. This was a trial run for the devices, and they didn't work in the restrooms (I tried). But I they definitely have some potential. Who knows, maybe listening to commentary while watching the event live would cut down on the ridiculous booing that seems to take place when fighters hit the canvas for any length of time?

Thanks to Marshall for both coming up with the innovative idea and giving us the opportunity to be the first to try it out.

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June 10, 2008 01:45 PM ET

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That does sound like a great idea.

And that's real sweet that you got to actually be at an UFC event. Got any extra "guest seats" for the next event? Lol!

RobertMenn: You…

San Antonio , TX

Total Comments (22062)

June 10, 2008 02:59 PM ET

Yeah I really think it is something that will work if they decide to go with it.

Tell you what man, If I do come up with a couple extra seats for the next event, you can have one...it would be in the UK tho... Thanks for the comment.