What is UFC trying to achieve with CM Punk?

[jsbx45]

$$$$$$$__

 

[lsa]

I cant believe you even had to ask.

 

[jabelar]

I'm very capitalistic, but the problem with the "money" answer is that there is always a risk of ruining a brand with selling out. For example, if they really want to be seen as a legit sport then moves like CM Punk aren't really good since real sports fans depend on a sense of fair play (why does he get a shot that others deserve more) and also on sense that you're getting to see the best of the best of dedicated sportspersons.

The question is then really what the UFC brand is about. Is it pure entertainment (another WWE sort of thing) in which case they might as well start scripting the fights. Is it a freak show where people just enjoy odd match-ups and controversy? Or is it a legit sport.

Each branding is a solid way to build a business, but mixing them can cause trouble. For example, how will the MMA fighting talent stay motivated when someone with very weak resume can come in and get shots that others who have dedicated their lives to working their way up the ranks deserve?

Based on what I see, sadly UFC isn't really a sporting organization. They started out as a freak show, spent a bit of time trying to build it up as a legit sport, and now seem to be moving it all towards simple-minded entertainment.