It seems to have lost a lot of momentum it had only a year or two ago. I used to watch it a lot more than I do now. Seems like there are so many injuries and the super cards are inevitably shuffled due to injury. Add in that the most notable fighters (GSP, MacGregor, Rousey, Jon Jones) haven't fought (or won't again) in a long time. I appreciate the sport but I wonder why it seems to have plateaued as far as popularity. Maybe overexposure with monthly UFC cards, Friday fight nights, other organizations, etc.? Or maybe, because I don't watch it as much, it hasn't lost any momentum and my impression is just wrong.
What happened to UFC?
- Thread starter gamecockcat
- Start date
Flavor of the month sport that plateaued and then declined. Pretty common occurrence.
imo the UFC lost its way about 2000. They instituted rounds (instead of no time limit) weight classes (vs total free for all) and multi fight tourneys. It has been completely bastardized as far as I'm concerned and isn't even close to what Royce Gracie vs Ken Shamrock was. ...ALSO the inclusion of women's UFC is a total disgrace.
Because it comes across as more scripted and less entertaining than WWE.
It also got overexposed
It also got overexposed
They didn't have much of a choice. They were banned in 49 states at one point.
Hell they only got sanctioned in New York within the last 2 years.
Diluted talent due to having a ppv basically every week.
Should go back to only a few per year. Would keep the scrubs off contract and create better matches.
Should go back to only a few per year. Would keep the scrubs off contract and create better matches.
That's what I think, also. One 'big' card every month and several smaller cards in between is just too much and there just aren't enough big name fights/fighters to fill up that much air time. A big event every quarter with a great top-to-bottom card might boost it back up. Also agree with women fighting. While they are skilled no doubt, watching two women beat the hell out of each other is not compelling. At least most of Rousey's fights were a lot more like judo matches with grappling and submission holds vs. cracking some chick in the face with an elbow or fist.
WildcatfaninOhio
All-American
They’ve got to cut back on ppv fights and air more free fight nights. They also need to get rid of some of the clowns they have currently. Starting with Conor McGregor. The sport is getting closer and closer to WWE every day.
You mean they lost their way when they did the thing that kept the promotion from filing bankruptcy? If they didn't change all that there would be no UFC.
That said, it was a fad that has peaked and will settle somewhere lower than it currently is, but high enough to keep itself afloat. Aside from the faddish aspect, the lack of any true stars and the fact that it's more overexposed than the NFL definitely hurt
then there should be no UFC. It is not even remotely close to as barbaric as it used to be. It's been butchered
Sometimes less is more. Keep people wanting to come back for more. Now, every clown with a decent punch gets signed.
A lot like NASCAR in a way. Tried to get too big for what they are.
A lot like NASCAR in a way. Tried to get too big for what they are.
I think UFC is as good as ever. Some really good fighters out there today.
They need a dominant star who keeps a belt for a long time as a consistent draw. The titles change hands so often I can’t keep up anymore. As someone else pointed out, overexposure doesn’t help either.
It’s an awesome product for those hat keep up with it. Way more and better fighters now. The talent is insane right now. Female fighters have really secured a foothold as a top billing as well. I think it’s fantastic besides he cards have been falling apart recently but injuries happen.
I can attest to that in regards to NASCAR. I watch every race but so not interested anymore with all the legends retiring and only a handful of personalities like Harvick, Keselowski & Kyle Busch. Other great drivers like Truex, Jimmie Johnson, Kyle Larson but they just don't seem to have that edge about them like Harvick/Busch. I know they're controversial but I think that makes it good for the sport.
I couldn't agree more. It's better now than it's ever been. You just have to invest some time to get to know the fighters. So many entertaining guys and girls now. That's why they have so many cards. There way more good fighters now. The UFC roster is so much bigger now. Besides basketball it's my favorite sport. I love that theres no off season. All year round.
I agree as well. The overall talent today is way better than it was 5-10 years ago. Now you have a lot of fighters that grew up during the revitalization of the UFC, training in multiple arts from a young age. Fighters today are much more well rounded and the women have brought a very exciting, new dynamic.
The shelf life of a MMA fighter is about like an average running back in football. The sport is pretty brutal on your body. Fighters come and go pretty frequently, making it very difficult to stay on top for a long period of time. Thus, there is some investment required by fans to keep up with all the new names. Most of the big name fighters that were around during the UFC resurgence are either retired or “has beens” by now.
I wish there was a thread for every ufc ppv. The Poirier fight was incredible last night. Its a fight that anyone could cheer for.
lol some "men" are butthurt that they'd need a gun to take out some of the UFC gals.
