UFC 225 estimated PPV's shockingly low at 250,000 buys

I don't think 250,000 is that low considering what their ppvs have been. No "superstars" on the card. Since UFC 207, only the Jones vs DC and GSP vs Bisping cards have had outstanding numbers. Both had outside circumstances driving the ppv buys. Both main events were outstanding fights alone, but had all the bells and whistles that make a promoter happy.

Stipe has had some decent ppv showings. He had Punk on his undercard once (and yes I think for most the novelty wore off after seeing how bad Phil Brooks is at fighting)plus he was fighting overeem, and he fought JDS and Francis for his other defenses. Being the HW champ with excellent competition is bound to sell some ppv's. The fact that he is in the conversation for best HW ever helps.

My theory is people will pay $ to watch @$$holes fight because they don't mind seeing them get ko'ed. I don't see anyone throwing a pity party for Colby if he winds up as someone else's highlight. I think that's why people were enjoying Conor so much. If he got sparked, so what? He's a loud, flamboyant, arrogant heel persona come to life. Plus he's entertaining as long as you don't take what he says too seriously. Same with Colby. His awkward delivery and crappy trash talk is more entertaining than if he could pull his lines off without any trouble.