Now I will be the first to admit that MMA and Ultimate Fighting intrigues me, I enjoy watching it, but I am not so enveloped in it that I know all the fighters. It's like today's boxing with me. Although boxing is falling lower with the non-superstar fighters around. There is no charisma anymore. And too much corruption. MMA is on the tick up. Gaining steam and momentum to becoming a premiere sport sooner rather than later. The best example was shown in Brock Lesners' most recent fight, and the fiasco afterwords. But like him or not. Brock's antics had even the most casual fan talking the next day. Every sport has their controversial players. The Dennis Rodman's, Ron Artest's, Sean Avery's, Albert Belle's, Barry Bonds', Rodney Harrison's, Chad Johnson's (did I have every sport covered so I don't get hate emails for picking on one league from my loyal followers of none?). Like they say in the P.R. business: even bad publicity is good publicity.
What the fight also did was bring to light the talented athletes in these competitions. Like BL. Penn showing off his sick jump from a pool. I don't know many athletes who can do that, and its not because I don't know many athletes either.
4 comments:
Just seeing that guy’s name in print sends me in to a rage. For Dana White, bad publicity is good publicity. UFC100 now holds the record for the most PPV buys... Well over the previous record of 1.2 million. Those of us that have followed MMA fighting since before Dana White took his organization to the boxing commission to create the UFC, view Brock Lesnar’s antics as a slap in the face and embarrassment to what these guys work for day and night. Sure, we want to see a skilled yet entertaining fight... but not the expense of making a mockery out of martial art principles. I understand that there will be controversial athletes... there have been within the UFC in the past... and I get it from a business perspective... but come on, JP. Dana White's acceptance of Lesnar’s post-fight behavior is pushing out some of his most loyal followers. The day after the event, I stumbled across an interview on CNN in which Dana White stated that he doesn't believe that the turn off experienced by followers will have much effect on sales because the number of interest is outweighing the number of those turning their back to the UFC. This greedy bastard appears to not care as much as he used to about the integrity of MMA fighting organizations. I haven't quite reached the point of boycotting UFC all together but if Brock Lesnar is on the card I won't be watching. However, I can list a hand full of associates that no longer care to support the UFC. What does that mean for them? I guess it is back underground fighting viral video.
I can't deny that Lesnar is good at what he does (ground and pound) and I do believe there is a place for him in the UFC. I honestly can't think of anyone that could beat this guy. Some are saying our only hope is Kimbo Slice, who will be a contestant on the next season of The Ultimate Fighter. This is shocking in itself... Dana White has been more then anti-Slice for over two years and Kimbo only validated Whites statements with his horrendous last fight. As much as I want to hate Dana White right now, I respect him for recognizing Slice's potential and giving him an opportunity. I have also read interviews with Kimbo Slice and the guy is great. He appears humble and realizes he isn't above working his way up from the bottom. I can respect the guy that wants to prove he isn't the joke that everyone made him out to be rather then the guy that turns that negativity into a stage personality. Take some notes Lesnar.
The odds of Slice making the finals of The Ultimate Fighter?
Yes +250 (5/2)
No -350 (2/7)
Now point me in the direction of the nearest gamblers anonymous meeting.
Kristin - All valid points. But there is a few things that you have to take into consideration here. I realize Brock was in the wrong (and from what I hear, Dana White laid into him in the locker behind closed doors), but you cannot deny the fact that his actions made MMA and UFC the talk of the sporting world the next few days. Is that not what is needed to make the sport more mainstream? Having casual fans talk about it days later? In addition, is it possible that Brocks rant was fueled by loosing in his first match witht his same opponent (forgive me as i forgot his name) and the fact that he did dominate that first match until he made a rookie mistake? Also, how much were the words of his opponent nocking his WWE background leading up the the fight a contributing factor. People may think that I am defending Brock here, which is not the case. I am a staunch supporter of respect and honor of your opponent. My main point was that Brock is good for MMA. Hate or love him, you will still talk about him. I guaruntee you will watch his next fight, and hope he gets destroyed. What MMA and UFC need is exposure. I also think that Brock needs a bit of a break here. He comes from a purely entertainment sport. One in wich story lines are written. Heros turn bad guys in a split second. Did he go overboard...sure did. But should he be condemed for one mistake? Has he done something like this in the past? (I truely am asking because I dont follow as much as you seem to) As for Kimbo Slice - I have seen a few of his MMA fights before and was not impressed. I know he is still learning, but he came in with so much hype. I just don't see him as anything more than a street fighter with less athleticism then a Brock Lesner type. My feeling is that Dana White will open the bank for Fedor Emelianenko and bring him in to match up to Brock.
Either way, what UFC 100 has done was shed more light on the sport. The fans who were disgusted will come back, they always do (see NHL, MLB, NBA, NFL after lockout or strike seasons). I know many people who were semi-interested in MMA, but now, are looking forward to seeing if anyone can take down this modern day Tyson.
JP! I am so rowdy right now! The way Lesnar behaved after his last fight was no different than his prior fights. I have witnessed him spanking opponents and riding them like a horse during fights! I understand the purpose of controversy and hype but up to this point it has been understood that it all comes prior to the fight and once the fight is over you show respect. It pisses me off to hear people say that Frank Mir only won the first fight because Lesnar made a mistake... That is MMA! Have you ever seen a Royce Gracie fight? He is one of the all time greats and his family brought MMA to the United States. That guy is beat on until his body is bloodied until he recognizes an opportunity to make a move. That is a part of MMA! That is exactly what Frank Mir did in his first match against Lesnar. He did what an MMA fighter trains to do against an opponent where you are clearly the underdog. Again, Mir did what he trained to do by giving respect to Lesnar after the fight... even after what Lesnar did. This was not a result of feeling vindicated- it is Brock Lesnar. I'm sorry but I refuse to believe the UFC needs that kind of reputation to be successful. Several fights not including Lesnar have had over a million PPV buys. If it meant protecting the integrity of the UFC and MMA fighting, I would be totally ok with MMA not being a mainstream sport by your standards- Hands down. Brock Lesnar is not good for MMA.
Kristin - I wish I had footage of Brock "spanking opponents and riding them like a horse during fights."
My basic point is this: I hate when a hitter stands and watches his homerun in baseball for what seems to be forever. I hate the dances WR make up after a touchdown in football. I hate the fact that soccer players run around like an airplane or rip off thier shirts. I hate that NBA players talk trash and hang on the rim. But I LOVE those sports. Am I going to let the actions of one ruin the sports I love? No. Not in the least. If the other MMA fighters have a problem with it, then they should go out and humble Brock by kicking his ass.
Bottom line is that no one person is bigger than any sport (except maybe MJ in his prime). Brocks actions shouldn't make you boycott the sport, just root for the guy he is facing to beat his butt. He can be your Cobra Kai to your Mr. Miaggi.
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