Zuffa offering refunds on UFC 147, are fans really that fickle?

For the first time in UFC history, the promotion is issuing refunds to fans who purchased tickets to UFC 147 in Brazil. A spate of training-related injuries and a repeatedly altered fight card has lead to a flurry of complaints from fans who bought tickets to see a very different promotion from the one that has materialized.

The promotion published the following on its web page: “With the change on the main card, fans who purchased tickets for the event will now officially have three (3) days to decide whether to seek a full refund.”

With Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira, Michael Bisping, Jose Aldo, Headliner Vitor Belfort and other big names dropping from the card, it is easy to see the justification. Certain fans want to see particular fighters on a card that they paid money for and let’s face it; unless you live in close proximity to the venue, going to see a UFC fight in person can cost a bit of money.

But come on, this is the UFC, for goodness sake! These are some of the best fighters in the world and in many cases on this card, it will be their first time in front of a worldwide audience. What is there to not like about that?

Rich Franklin, who was a last minute substitution for Belfort is primed to take on Wanderlai Silva in the Main Event. In this rematch of sorts, Franklin promises it to be a fight to remember and said at today’s open workouts: “It’s a great opportunity being here in Brazil, we’re here to put on a great show. Most of the time, when you buy one of my fights, it’s an exciting fight to watch. My first fight with Wanderlei was very exciting, and I don’t see this as being anything short of that.  This is going to be a very fun fight.”

Fabricio Werdum shared Franklin’s sentiments and chimed in with a few of his own comments: “This is my first time in [Belo Horizonte], congratulations to this crowd here. I want to see everyone on Saturday shouting “Go Horse”. Both Russow and I come from wins, I fought a great battle against Roy Nelson, I expect to have the same performance here in Brazil. I’ve prepared to fight both standing up and on the ground, I’d like to knock him out as fast as I can and not leave it up to the judges.”

Werdum’s opponent, Mike Russow, is coming in off of an 11-bout win streak over the past 4 years and promises a hard-fought fight: “It was a pretty cool experience doing the workout outside. At least there are some cheers, I thought there were going to be a lot more boos! I think it’s going to be a hard fight right through the third round. Come fight time, I close my eyes, I focus and I go for it.”

Not to be counted out, Daniel Sarafian’s last-minute replacement, Sergio Moraes, will be among a number of other Brazillian fighters making their UFC debut. Moraes has high hopes for his bout as well: “For some, the sky is the limit; to me, it’s just the beginning. I only have reasons to be thankful.  These are two great accomplishments, fighting in the UFC and in Brazil. I will take this energy into the Octagon, you can be sure.”

While it is disappointing to see a few of the big names drop from a card such as this, in my opinion, the newer fighters will be bringing much more to the Octagon. Why would anyone want to mis Milton Vieira, in his UFC debut? Have the changes to this card turned you off from it? Will you be tuning in to something else, instead? Or will you be seated in your favorite place this Saturday night, enjoying an adult beverage and watching these warriors take their skills to the Octagon and putting it all on the line? I know where I will be.

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