- Joined
- Jan 31, 2003
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The reality of having a "Multi-divisional" champ, and the accompanying media circus, derailed two weight classes (feather weight and light weight) by leaving many questions unanswered about which fighters were truly deserving of being a contender and subsequently a champion.
Fans and fighters alike felt it unfair to deny Jose Aldo, the previous featherweight champion with seven title defenses, an immediate rematch. They felt it unfair for Conor to receive a shot for the light weight belt after zero title defenses in the feather weight belt. And felt it unfair for Conor to receive a shot for the light weight belt without having beaten the legitimate light weight contenders in Khabib, Mike Johnson, or Tony Ferg; especially since Conor lost to Nate Diaz.
Yet the UFC does not care, as they were willing to entertain another "Multi-divisional" bout, GSP vs Bisping, which threatened to log jam one more division, and even promted middle weights to openly discuss holding a laborstrike until the UFC introduced an interm-belt.
This may only be my personal opinion, but, compared to the sensationalism that surrounds the idea of "Multi-division champ", standard fight cards begin to feel hollow and inconsequential. Because I no longer associate winning a UFC fight...with progress. By this I mean, I no longer trust the UFC to reward a fighter who has climbed the ladder, by giving them a title shot. Because I know the UFC values marketability over skill, so at anytime they may bring in someone less deserving to fight for the title, as long as they forecast greater profitibility.
I find this to be incredibly disappointing, as I've watched the UFC since it's inception because I was interested in martial arts, not PPV buys and social media followers. The purist in me wants to see a fighter go through the gauntlet a la JCVD bloodsport and defeat opponents of increasing skill level before becoming a champion. Because that is worth seeing and celebrating. That's why I hope the UFC gets back on track. I want the UFC to live up to the purpose defined by the name of the organization - The Ultimate Fighting Championship. And I hope they stick to crowning Ultimate Fighting Champions, rather than Ultimate PPV Draws. But realist in me knows better. That's why I'm not surprised fighters like Al Iaquinta and Anthony Johnson are ready to pursue alternate career paths. And to be honest I feel like I wasted a good hour writing this post. I need to find a new hobby because the UFC sucks.
Fans and fighters alike felt it unfair to deny Jose Aldo, the previous featherweight champion with seven title defenses, an immediate rematch. They felt it unfair for Conor to receive a shot for the light weight belt after zero title defenses in the feather weight belt. And felt it unfair for Conor to receive a shot for the light weight belt without having beaten the legitimate light weight contenders in Khabib, Mike Johnson, or Tony Ferg; especially since Conor lost to Nate Diaz.
Yet the UFC does not care, as they were willing to entertain another "Multi-divisional" bout, GSP vs Bisping, which threatened to log jam one more division, and even promted middle weights to openly discuss holding a laborstrike until the UFC introduced an interm-belt.
This may only be my personal opinion, but, compared to the sensationalism that surrounds the idea of "Multi-division champ", standard fight cards begin to feel hollow and inconsequential. Because I no longer associate winning a UFC fight...with progress. By this I mean, I no longer trust the UFC to reward a fighter who has climbed the ladder, by giving them a title shot. Because I know the UFC values marketability over skill, so at anytime they may bring in someone less deserving to fight for the title, as long as they forecast greater profitibility.
I find this to be incredibly disappointing, as I've watched the UFC since it's inception because I was interested in martial arts, not PPV buys and social media followers. The purist in me wants to see a fighter go through the gauntlet a la JCVD bloodsport and defeat opponents of increasing skill level before becoming a champion. Because that is worth seeing and celebrating. That's why I hope the UFC gets back on track. I want the UFC to live up to the purpose defined by the name of the organization - The Ultimate Fighting Championship. And I hope they stick to crowning Ultimate Fighting Champions, rather than Ultimate PPV Draws. But realist in me knows better. That's why I'm not surprised fighters like Al Iaquinta and Anthony Johnson are ready to pursue alternate career paths. And to be honest I feel like I wasted a good hour writing this post. I need to find a new hobby because the UFC sucks.