The Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) has become a popular sport, with millions of fans tuning in to watch the action-packed matches and the unpredictable outcomes. However, with its growing popularity, the way UFC promotes its fights has come under scrutiny. In recent years, UFC president Dana White has been criticized for his tactics to sell fights, with many claiming that the promotion has become more about entertainment than a sport. In fact, even Team Khabib coach Javier Mendez has spoken out about this issue, stating that UFC is not a true sport, but rather, entertainment first.
In an interview with Submission Radio earlier this year, Mendez expressed his thoughts on UFC’s approach to selling fights. He stated, “UFC wants to see, then basically he is cutting in line. But it’s not a true sport. In a sport like this, which is not a true sport, it’s entertainment first.” These words ring true for many fans who have noticed a shift in the way UFC promotes its fights. While it is no secret that UFC is a business and needs to make money, the question remains: has the promotion become more about selling fights rather than showcasing true talent and skills?
One of the main criticisms towards UFC’s promotion tactics is the use of a villain and a superhero narrative. In most fights, there is always one fighter who is portrayed as the villain and another as the hero. This tactic is used to create hype and tension between the two, which ultimately leads to higher pay-per-view buys and ticket sales. However, this approach has been heavily criticized, with many claiming that it takes away from the purity of the sport and the true talent of the fighters.
Recently, popular content creator and MMA analyst, Luke Thomas, gave his verdict on UFC’s promotion tactics. In an exclusive interview with EssentiallySports, Thomas stated, “UFC needs an antagonist and protagonist for the audience to latch onto, and that’s what sells tickets.” He went on to add, “But at the end of the day, what matters is the quality of the fights and the skills of the fighters, not the drama or the narratives created by the promotion.”
Thomas’s words echo the sentiments of many fans who have become disillusioned with UFC’s approach to promoting fights. Many believe that this tactic not only takes away from the true essence of the sport but also undermines the hard work and dedication of the fighters. UFC has a roster of incredibly skilled and talented athletes, and their abilities should be the highlight of the promotion, not manufactured storylines.
However, it’s not just the villain and superhero narrative that has come under scrutiny. UFC’s use of trash-talking and controversial press conferences to promote fights has also been criticized. While pre-fight press conferences have always been a part of the promotion, in recent years, they have become more aggressive and personal, with fighters resorting to derogatory and offensive language. While some may argue that this creates excitement and buzz around the fight, many believe that it sets a negative example for the younger generation and takes away from the skill and talent of the fighters.
Moreover, UFC’s decision to grant title shots based on popularity rather than merit has also been a bone of contention for many fans. This has resulted in deserving fighters being overlooked for title shots in favor of more popular or marketable fighters. This not only undermines the credibility of the sport but also affects the morale of the fighters who have worked hard to climb up the rankings.
In a sport like UFC, where the outcome of the fight is unpredictable, it’s the skills and talent of the fighters that should be the main focus of the promotion. Fans tune in to watch these athletes showcase their abilities and put on a show, not to witness manufactured drama and unnecessary controversies. While there is no doubt that UFC is a business and needs to make money, it’s important for the promotion to strike a balance between entertainment and sport.
In conclusion, the popularity of UFC has undoubtedly led to a shift in the promotion’s approach towards selling fights. While the use of a villain and superhero narrative and controversial press conferences may create hype and increase ticket sales, it’s important for UFC to remember that at its core, it is a sport. The skills, talent, and hard work of the fighters should always be the main focus, and it’s crucial for the promotion to strike a balance between entertainment and sport. As fans, we can only hope that UFC takes note of the criticism and makes necessary changes to ensure
