Hot Take What if the Problem isn’t Dana?

[Titan1980]

Definitely, corporate issues are a problem. The UFC has two customers to serve now, fans and shareholders. Shareholders are legally protected by law to have their needs met, fans don't. Corporate enrichment will always supersede any other consideration.

 

[Slaikkaaja]

He's Dana, has always been. Guy is a scumbag, but still doing a decent job.

 

[Tyler Durden]

Dana's never been the problem. In fact he's likely the only reason the UFC hasn't gone bankrupt like all the other orgs.

I don't agree with everything he does. For instance, the ESPN deal, but he's undeniably been the driving force behind making and keeping the UFC great.

You want to see what a shitty leader can do to a sport? Go watch the NBA before and after Adam silver.

Great post and absolute facts. The org and probably the entire sport would've been gone if not for Danas leadership through the whole covid bullshit. Plus there's no denying that UFC was an inch away from bankruptcy, Dana took it over and turned it into what it is today.
But dont expect anyone on here to agree with you.

 

[Tyler Durden]

Hes

Dana's entire career is predicated on cozying up to billionaires--the Fertitta brothers, Trump, Ari, Turki, etc.

This is very familiar territory for Dana.

He's a business man... Do you expect him to cozy up with people who can't get shit done?

 

[Trabaho]

MMA could be like kickboxing. B level popularity.

 

[jeskola]

this guy is to blame. he is the UFC matchmaker and up in all the text messages. I think its Gray Maynard's brother

 

[Here's Johnny!]

If Islam vs Usman happens, I'd like to know who is the one responsible for these decisions.

It could very well be Hunter behind the scenes making these calls, putting business before merit.

The problem for me is I really don't understand how anyone thinks Islam vs Usman would get even 1 more viewer than Islam vs Garry... I think Islam vs Garry would have more viewers... I dont think Morales is known at all... as I dont think I've ever seen him fight... Prates just lost to Garry... Shavkat would be the best if the guy ever fought.

 

[Alpha_T83]

The problem for me is I really don't understand how anyone thinks Islam vs Usman would get even 1 more viewer than Islam vs Garry... I think Islam vs Garry would have more viewers... I dont think Morales is known at all... as I dont think I've ever seen him fight... Prates just lost to Garry... Shavkat would be the best if the guy ever fought.

I honestly think that Makhachev and Khabib look at Usman as the best 170 pounder since GSP, which is technically true.

From their perspective, Usman is both a safe fight and a legacy building fight. From our perspective we understand that Islam fighting "no knees" Usman is a waste of a title defense.

 

[Bowel-forged Stool]

When the sport of ufc is dead, people will thank kindly of the bald father

 

[Pequeño Corey]

The Spike era was Dana in a nutshell.

Stemm, ugly affliction and tapout shirts, bad tribal tattoos, corn nuts, and condom depot.

 

[Fight Professor]

It is definitely a corporate problem. What are Dana's actual responsibilities? What is his budget? Is it him or the company who does not want Dana to delegate his responsibilities? Of course, he is not going to be the same early UFC Dana because of his wealth, age and simply time at that position.

 

[Thy]

Take less drugs

Or more.

Frankly, I don't know.

That's usually how it goes.

 

[Here's Johnny!]

I honestly think that Makhachev and Khabib look at Usman as the best 170 pounder since GSP, which is technically true.

From their perspective, Usman is both a safe fight and a legacy building fight. From our perspective we understand that Islam fighting "no knees" Usman is a waste of a title defense.

I agree that's what I think they believe... and I agree that it would be a meaningless win for Islam that honestly would hold as much value as Usmans second win over Jorge Masvidal.... a waste of a fight.