I've never really understood this dichotomy that seemingly half of Sherdog loves. All pro sports are entertainment. Now there is a thing called sports entertainment, but that is closely defined as athletic activities in which no actual competition takes place, ie pro wrestling or the Harlem Globetrotters or Smurfs on Ice or what have you.
If your point is that MMA as a whole is run poorly, I think many fans might agree. But saying it isn't a sport is silly.
But it lacks some elements that sport should have. Just few on top of my head.
- There is no clear ranking system, biggest issue, sport must be fair with strict rules
- Activities outside of the octagon matter, trash talk, popularity, etc.. (that is not part of sport)
- not equal opportunities and treatment for every competitor.
- Different rules for champion vs regular fight.
- ambiguous fight dates, cancellations, fighting interval not the same for everyone etc..
- no equal rewards for winning, private pays, not transparent, etc..
Some of these are problematic, since it is combat, but still, needs to be more fair.