UFC’S TOP FIGHTS CAN BE RISKY
It took just moments after Holly Holm’s stunning knockout of Ronda Rousey in November for the Internet to set itself ablaze, not just with commentary on the unthinkable upset that had played out but also with countless photographs of Ultimate Fighting Championship President Dana White.
White, the longtime promotional face of the UFC, stood in the octagon at Etihad Stadium in Melbourne, Australia, wearing an expression of thunderous discontent, causing many to instantly speculate he was irate at the severe financial hit Rousey’s defeat would cause the organization.
He would later explain his sour mood had more to do with his personal concern for Rousey, a close friend, than monetary matters. Yet a critical point had been illustrated: The UFC’s most compelling selling point and biggest attraction also represents its greatest gamble.
The long-held policy of putting on the toughest and best fights and showcasing its top stars whenever possible is one of the reasons mixed martial arts, led by UFC, has the advantage over boxing in the battle the two combat sports wage for public attention.
Such a philosophy will be on display again this weekend, with the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas hosting UFC 196, featuring Conor McGregor’s showdown with Nate Diaz and Holm’s clash with Miesha Tate.
While boxing, at its best, remains as electrifying as ever, the sweet science has become painfully mired in politics. It now resembles an endless alphabet soup of sanctioning bodies and “world champions,” with fighters routinely padding their records against easy opponents.
UFC eschews that approach as a point of principle. Aside from occasional interim titles because of injury, there is one belt per weight class, one official ranking list. While fighters, promoters and fans will always have differing opinions as to who might deserve a title shot the most, the biggest fights are made as a matter of course. Divisional champions need not expect to be shielded and coddled, instead being compelled to defend their crown and honor against the most dangerous of rivals.
It is fine theater, yet it also poses a conundrum for White and the rest of the UFC hierarchy. Namely, it puts the organization at risk of seeing its brightest lights dim quicker than it would hope for.
Rousey’s cloak of invincibility was ripped, elbowed and kicked away by Holm in Melbourne, taking her from the most-talkedabout name in American sports to a fighter on the outside looking in this weekend. Saturday night, Holm will put her women’s bantamweight title on the line for the first time.
After Rousey’s defeat it was McGregor who stepped forward into the role of MMA’s chief figurehead. McGregor is a tremendous athlete, a superb fighter, and he likely will claim the poundfor-pound No. 1 spot if he defeats Diaz, as expected. Yet he knows, like anyone else, that the relentless struggle of long preparation can be undone with the slightest fraction of a second of missed focus.
Just ask Jose Aldo, the Brazilian star whom McGregor demolished in 13 seconds in December. The very real scenario of peril never being far away is part of what has garnered UFC its loyal following.
It is great to watch. It guarantees a steady stream of solid entertainment and strong pay-per-view cards interspersed throughout the year.
However, any sport, whether long established or new to the party, needs its superstars to thrive. Risk brings reward, but it also has delivered casualties.
Rousey’s loss was followed by defeats for a pair of rising young stars, Paige VanZant and Sage Northcutt.
McGregor could have been kept in cold storage to allow his popularity to stew a bit longer before he was put at risk. Holm could have been held held back or given an easier opponent than more experienced Tate.
But that’s just not the way the company or White likes to do business.
The UFC wants a blockbuster for its 200th pay-per view edition July 9, promising it will be the biggest show in its history.
Given that it won’t likely adopt a more defensive and protectionist strategy any time soon, it might need a little luck to make that a reality.
FOLLOW REPORTER MARTIN ROGERS @mrogersUSAT for analysis and commentary on sports.