Probst: Facebook Prelims a Forward-Thinking Move
Jason Probst Aug 19, 2011
In the future, people will look back and find it odd how entertainment was separated via the television and Internet. As the two continue their inevitable trajectories toward merging, getting on the bandwagon early is a huge marketing advantage for content suppliers.
With the addition of Facebook streaming to air event prelims, enjoying MMA has happily expanded into the afternoon, bridging the gap to the UFC main cards. It also represents a forward-thinking move by the UFC to acclimate fans to the concept of consuming -- and, no doubt, eventually buying -- fights online, the latter of which is presently offered but still in relative infancy.
It is also a great way to track the development of talent, be it a debuting prospect or a veteran looking to impress his way onto the main card. During UFC Live 5 on Sunday, I caught all seven prelims on Facebook prior to the main card airing, which also had the ancillary benefit of giving me some solid looks at guys I will be previewing in future events.
Jason Probst can be reached at [email protected] or twitter.com/jasonprobst.
