Quality should be UFC aim
Something I have been wondering about lately is the UFC becoming too overexposed.
Recently for example, there's the Ultimate Fight Night on September 16, then UFC 103 on September 19, just three days later. The UFC is expected to run up to event 108 by year's end, and you can add in the TUF finale and maybe another UFN in there as well. That runs about seven events in three months time (counting after 103).
You're probably thinking that I am off my rocker, why would a die-hard MMA fan complain about too much MMA?
Well for one thing there's a big preference to quality over quantity. Not to bash the UFC, but it will be three straight cards without a title fight (102, UFN 19 and 103). That is unacceptable. In a sport where the drive is to be the best individual fighter I want to see that title make a regular appearance in the Octagon. This isn't to say that Randy Couture or Rich Franklin aren't main event draws, they are just less of a draw when they aren't fighting for or to retain a belt.
While UFC 103 will go head-to- head with the return of Floyd Mayweather to the boxing ring, Dana White has been on the media trail bashing boxing at every turn. He says that no one is interested in fights that are irrelevant and he goes on to say that no one specifically wants to see Mayweather fight Juan Manuel Marquez. But White, do not eat your words here. The UFC just announced that Randy Couture versus Brandon Vera will be the headliner for the UFC 105 event in the U.K….I am sorry for you British fight fans, I am sorry.
Backtracking here, I was excited for the UFC 102 event, despite no title fight, and I will most likely buy UFC 103 as well which bodes for another problem, money. With a near $50 price tag for the PPV, and the world still in an economic crisis where is the line drawn for fans as to how much they are going to spend per month on a three-four hour fight card. You can argue that they show the fights at restaurants and bars, but you'll end up dropping the same amount of money on drinks and food anyways.
With White's announcement that he's looking to have three events per month in 2010, I don't know if I should be excited, or if I should pick up a second job. What I am considering overkill already for UFC events might be even worse next year. I understand the sport and UFC brand is growing, but without a network TV deal I don't see how this is going to be beneficial without the UFC coming off as greedy.
With that being said, White has hinted at a possible network TV deal, which would make everything all rainbows and sunshine for UFC fans with the fights being on a free, accessible platform for each and every event. This is a topic all on its own and for fans its wishful thinking for now.
Another way that the UFC could improve the quality of their fight cards, because remember, that is what's important here, would be to absorb the WEC. Now, I understand that may sound counter-productive but you have to hear the entire plan. While absorbing the also Zuffa-owned promotion, it would take the WEC free fight cards off of the Verses network and TSN, but it would create much more exciting, and entertaining UFC cards, ones that are worth paying for.
Fighters such as Mike Brown, Miguel Torres, and Brian Bowels are all not as popular as they should be. As well, in the UFC their pay scale will match their draw and talents, much unlike in the underrated WEC promotion.
I don't feel that the UFC has hit its pinnacle yet, but for the time being they need to just ease up on the fight cards, and start producing some more, better quality cards where we see titles fought for and rivalries built, and some great fights.
Recently for example, there's the Ultimate Fight Night on September 16, then UFC 103 on September 19, just three days later. The UFC is expected to run up to event 108 by year's end, and you can add in the TUF finale and maybe another UFN in there as well. That runs about seven events in three months time (counting after 103).
You're probably thinking that I am off my rocker, why would a die-hard MMA fan complain about too much MMA?
Well for one thing there's a big preference to quality over quantity. Not to bash the UFC, but it will be three straight cards without a title fight (102, UFN 19 and 103). That is unacceptable. In a sport where the drive is to be the best individual fighter I want to see that title make a regular appearance in the Octagon. This isn't to say that Randy Couture or Rich Franklin aren't main event draws, they are just less of a draw when they aren't fighting for or to retain a belt.
While UFC 103 will go head-to- head with the return of Floyd Mayweather to the boxing ring, Dana White has been on the media trail bashing boxing at every turn. He says that no one is interested in fights that are irrelevant and he goes on to say that no one specifically wants to see Mayweather fight Juan Manuel Marquez. But White, do not eat your words here. The UFC just announced that Randy Couture versus Brandon Vera will be the headliner for the UFC 105 event in the U.K….I am sorry for you British fight fans, I am sorry.
Backtracking here, I was excited for the UFC 102 event, despite no title fight, and I will most likely buy UFC 103 as well which bodes for another problem, money. With a near $50 price tag for the PPV, and the world still in an economic crisis where is the line drawn for fans as to how much they are going to spend per month on a three-four hour fight card. You can argue that they show the fights at restaurants and bars, but you'll end up dropping the same amount of money on drinks and food anyways.
With White's announcement that he's looking to have three events per month in 2010, I don't know if I should be excited, or if I should pick up a second job. What I am considering overkill already for UFC events might be even worse next year. I understand the sport and UFC brand is growing, but without a network TV deal I don't see how this is going to be beneficial without the UFC coming off as greedy.
With that being said, White has hinted at a possible network TV deal, which would make everything all rainbows and sunshine for UFC fans with the fights being on a free, accessible platform for each and every event. This is a topic all on its own and for fans its wishful thinking for now.
Another way that the UFC could improve the quality of their fight cards, because remember, that is what's important here, would be to absorb the WEC. Now, I understand that may sound counter-productive but you have to hear the entire plan. While absorbing the also Zuffa-owned promotion, it would take the WEC free fight cards off of the Verses network and TSN, but it would create much more exciting, and entertaining UFC cards, ones that are worth paying for.
Fighters such as Mike Brown, Miguel Torres, and Brian Bowels are all not as popular as they should be. As well, in the UFC their pay scale will match their draw and talents, much unlike in the underrated WEC promotion.
I don't feel that the UFC has hit its pinnacle yet, but for the time being they need to just ease up on the fight cards, and start producing some more, better quality cards where we see titles fought for and rivalries built, and some great fights.
