With post-fight antics likened to a pro wrestling event, I cannot help but wonder if the younger generation of fans know what they are witnessing. Are they too feeling as though they are being force-fed a steaming pile of nonsense for the sake of ensuring interest in future match-ups?
As Daniel Cormier seized the mic from commentator Joe Rogan during the post-fight interview, Brock Lesnar’s pre-organised plan was in motion; they had set the stage and the acting began.
Instead of now discussing what Alexander Volkov needs to bring as a challenger or the potential of a Stipe versus Cormier rematch – after all, Stipe Miocic defended the title three times – we are now…. oh wait… it can’t be… here comes the undertaker! Oh no! What’s he doing with that chair?
That’s right, because the biggest and best fighters in the world trying to kill each other just isn’t entertaining enough. Send in the lions!
The UFC is overlooking contenders who have earnt their shot but lack the charisma to carry out the hard sell.
The fact is, money talks. People are instigating these build-ups by purchasing these events. The bigger the hype, the more revenue it generates. It’s a simple formula that promoters can’t ignore.
(Barry Chin/The Boston Globe via Getty Images)
The return of Brock Lesnar may be vital to the UFC 265-pound division’s future. This weekends undercard featured a bout between two of the toughest heavyweights in MMA: Francis Ngannou and Derrick Lewis, a huge drawcard for the event. In hindsight it turned out to be the most boring heavyweight fight of all time, according to Joe Rogan.
The pair fought more during their altercation at the weigh-ins than during the 15-minute contest in which neither man was would engage, leaving the crowd furious.
One obstacle in trying to sell UFC 226 was that there was no villain, no bag guy for you to hate. You had a scenario where one guy was a firefighter helping protect his community and the other was a poster boy for fairness and sportsmanship.
Every great plot involves a little good versus evil backstory – David versus Goliath, God versus the Devil.
With each new spectacle comes the increased appetite and desire for something even more outrageous, leading to the inevitable first man versus woman UFC bout.
Shamelessly I will be watching the fight – after all, it was tailor-made for suckers like me.
DJW
Guest
People will tune in hoping DC knocks the drug cheat out, that's what will sell PPVs. It a shame the UFC have to resort to bringing back a banned fighter for $$. Miocic deserves a rematch or rather see Curtis Blaydes get a shot.
BJones
Roar Rookie
also, Jim Cornette on his podcast has said that the UFC is the most popular pro wrestling company in the world. Well when you use all the promo tactics from the 80's and 90's of pro wrestling that work better than anything does today, of course you will be.
BJones
Roar Rookie
Theatrics, has always been, a huge way of promoting any fight, and the was greatest was Muhammad Ali. Obviously this was all staged as it was pre-announced that Lesnar would fight the winner of the heavyweight bout. (Don't know how Vince MacMahon the WWE feel about it, but Lesnar has a co-promotion clause in his WWE contract) Personally staged or not (clearly it was) Lesnar will wipe the floor with DC, Lesnar is too big and strong and rioded up to lose. cant wait to see that fight thougjh