Which major sports do you consider relevant in the US?

[Dave Gray]

I was going off of the 2009 figures, as that's what I had.  Also, there is an EA MMA game that you're discounting, if you're going to count the 2010 figures.  Though not specifically UFC, I think it still applies.

[Spider-Dan]

EA MMA sold 390k copies.

[fyo]

I'm not sure what these numbers indicate... EA spews out a new NFL game every year (as does 2K) and unless you're a DIE HARD fan, you're not going to buy what's basically the same game EVERY year.

[Dave Gray]

^ They don't prove anything.  It's just some info to add to the debate.

For what it's worth, I don't think the UFC games selling better means much of anything, except that it is more popular in the younger demographic.

Also, someone brought up an interesting point to me yesterday....what is the popularity of MMA vs. hockey in non-NHL areas?

[masterfins]

I read recently that NYS Legislature, again, is not allowing MMA/UFC fights in the state, so I'm sure this has some effect on attendance since thay can't hold a fight in Madison Square Garden.  Not sure what other states don't allow it.  Also, MMA/UFC is really still in its infancy compared to NHL hockey that has been around for decades.

[Guru-In-Vegas]

How many hockey movies have come out recently?  What was the last one anyway, The Mighty Ducks?

There have been some recent MMA movies.  Or even movies including MMA stars.  A-Team and Expendables come to mind.  You might have heard of those low-budget indy flicks. 

Not that this point really settles anything, more like an example of popularity. 

[Phishfan]

How many hockey movies have come out recently?  What was the last one anyway, The Mighty Ducks?

I'd say Miracle is likely the most recent with any buzz.

[Sunstroke]

Could someone please name a movie about MMA or UFC? Not a movie that has one of their athletes in it...but a movie whose subject is MMA or UFC.

I really can't think of a single one.

[Brian Fein]

^^ Never Back Down. 

I actually saw this movie.  Not sure if its about MMA or about just fighting, but it seems like its about MMA-style fighting.

It was a terrible movie, and I'm ashamed that I know about it.

[Sunstroke]

^^^ By title alone, I'd have guessed it was a Steven Seagal flick...

Any MMA or UFC movies that someone who doesn't watch MMA or UFC may have heard of?

A few quality hockey movies off the top of my head:

* Miracle
* Slap Shot
* The Mighty Ducks
* Mystery, Alaska

[Dave Gray]

There were a few MMA movies released in the last few years.  I remember seeing them advertised.  But, you can also go back and count stuff like Bloodsport or a few of the other Van Damme movies.

[Brian Fein]

Yeah, and the Karate Kid.  That counts, too, right?

FWIW, Stroke, I don't watch MMA but I have heard of this movie, only because I watch a crap-ton of movies.

[Sunstroke]

I've seen Bloodsport a couple of times a long time ago...but don't remember it being about MMA or UFC. Since the movie predates UFC by a good 4 or 5 years, I'm not sure it qualifies. Are you counting all martial arts movies as being about MMA/UFC?

[Dave Gray]

Bloodsport isn't specifically about UFC, just like the Mighty Ducks isn't about the NHL.  However, it is about a mixed martial arts tournament.  I believe the very idea of the UFC came from the ideas put forth in bloodsport -- "can a karate guy beat a judo guy beat a wrestler, etc."

[Sunstroke]

I can accept Bloodsport as being MMA-related, I guess, but I have to put my foot down on The Karate Kid. If that gets counted, hockey-related movies should be expanded to include every film that contains ice.