NFT: UFC and WWE

that the fighting, the blood, the animosity, it's all real. No storylines. No acting. No fake tough guys. I think that's what drew Ken Shamrock and Tank Abbott into MMA. But I think a lot of MMA fighters are attracted to just that: the showmanship. They like the idea of having their personalities on display. Guys like King Mo, Josh Barnett and American Top Team like to have the spotlight on them.

I assume some fighters also see it as an option after their MMA career is over (like Brock and Rousey. They hadn't been doing too hot in their winding years in UFC.) Whether it diminishes the way people view UFC, I don't think it does because I don't think anyone expects or wants to see guys past their prime in the Octagon. While professional wrestling is staged, there's still a lot of athleticism and technique that go into it so the skills they learn in UFC does translate well.



On a somewhat related note, I can't wait to see Bobby Lashley vs. Brock Lesnar. Talk about two MMA powerhouses. Of course it's going to be a bit watered down in a WWE ring, but it should still be a nasty, brutal match.

People tuned into watch CM Punk fight who had no business getting a professional fight, let alone two.

In comment 14014628 BH28 said:

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People tuned into watch CM Punk fight who had no business getting a professional fight, let alone two.

Yeah, Punk's been an embarrassment

Needs to cash in on Lesnar at the conclusion of his next UFC match. Would be epic.

Lesnar is just so big that he’s been able to dominate guys who are better.

The reason the UFC is turning into a joke is the WME wants its investment back ASAP. Why they catered to McGreggor. It back fired. Now his ego is too big for them . . They want /need Lesnar Cormier becuse who knows when Conor will fight again. Never mind for all his hand truck bravado he doesn’t want to fight anyone who is any good. Add to that is seriously criminal and unstable behavior which now will be the major story if he fights again. And he must know he will get his ass rag dolled if he has to fight Khabib or Ferguson. Look for him and Nate Diaz. Safer and good money for the guy who has never once defended a title.

WME still needS 4-6 decent to good fights as well as a credible ma in event to sell PPVs so they can’t totally ruin the Product but they are embarrassing themselves w these publicity grabs.

Huge fan of MMA and the UFC ... hate the concept of inter-mingling the two just for the sake of money and fight promotion to the LCD. Hate it. Dana White needs to get his noggin on straight.

growing up with MMA, the fighters were typically humble and quiet (for lack of a better word). You could also say boring (I wouldn't). Everyone has woken to the fact that outsized personas attract the "casual" fans, and that's where the $$$$$ is.

DC's call-out of Brock after he beat Stipe, and the whole shoving match that ensued was fairly cringey.

Of course, I'll buy the PPV when the time comes.

some sort of "legends" league or bouts.

Yeah, a Shamrock vs. Tank Abbot fight would last 90 seconds; but it would draw ratings.

Dana White tried to sell us Lesnar like he was an elite MMA fighter. In reality, he just wanted the PPV revenues. Why not do the same elsewhere?

In comment 14015182 Knineteen said:

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some sort of "legends" league or bouts. Yeah, a Shamrock vs. Tank Abbot fight would last 90 seconds; but it would draw ratings. Dana White tried to sell us Lesnar like he was an elite MMA fighter. In reality, he just wanted the PPV revenues. Why not do the same elsewhere?

That is what Bellator does. They sign anyone the UFC doesn't want and throw him on tv. They are built around a bunch of old washed up UFC fighters similar to how TNA use to be built around old WWE wrestlers. Not surprising both never built anything successful of it.

Kimbo Slice drew some of the biggest ratings of anyone in MMA and he was a terrible fighter and wasn't even in the UFC. They brought him in later as an Ultimate Fighter contestant purely for ratings. If he hadn't died non-UFC promotions would still be running him out there and MMA fans would be tuning in to watch him.

employed by Bellator, Elite XC in the Kimbo days, etc.

UFC has typically avoided the nonsense until Endeavor took over, and the circus has ramped up since then.

The UFC sunder the Ferttita’s was at least tying to make best on best fights.

It started w the protected status of Connor. Now it’s the desperate PPV grabs. As for Kimbo he wasn’t anything other than a small local draw at best after his UFC days. Lesnar is a freak show and well known to WWE fans who will bu that PPV. Imo he wins as he will be 305 one fight time. Cormier will be giving up 60-70 pounds like Randy had too.

As for Dana he’s just a total asshole. He pumped up Ngannou and now is shitting on him. Morphing into Vince I guess. He wants to keep his job for his ego as he doesn’t need the cash. He’ll play along

fighters want the big money bouts. Seems now, post-McG, they understand and are willing to participate in the promotional trash that comes along with it. If the UFC paid their fighters better maybe we wouldn't see it to this extent.

For sure, but it seems the catalyst for the trajectory change ignited after Zuffa was out of the picture. Everyone wants a piece of what McGregor and the like were able to generate, but it's not realistic.

I might finally step into BJJ Gi, going to check out two dojos this week.

In comment 14015206 Deejboy said:

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That is what Bellator does. They sign anyone the UFC doesn't want and throw him on tv. They are built around a bunch of old washed up UFC fighters similar to how TNA use to be built around old WWE wrestlers. Not surprising both never built anything successful of it.

I don't believe any organization will overtake the UFC simply because of name recognition and being first to market.

It's like EBay. There's nothing unique about it and I'm sure there are a ton of auctions sites out there; but I couldn't name a single one. Everyone knows EBay.

In comment 14015480 JonC said:

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I might finally step into BJJ Gi, going to check out two dojos this week.

If you're still in Manhattan, Ima plug Clockwork Jiu-Jitsu. I went to school with the lead instructor. great guy.
clockwork - ( New Window )

Thanks, that is one of the two!