The Business of UFC Pay-Per-View: What Makes a Fight Card Successful
For years, headlining pay-per-view events were the driving force behind the UFC’s profit model and the focal point for its most recognizable talent. Several million dollars have often been cleared with one card by the professional promotion—income that’s always relative to the depth of any given card’s talent pool and generated by the card’s appeal to an ever-growing fan base. But what exactly makes a UFC PPV fight card successful? The article will earmark crucial elements leading to the success of a UFC PPV event: from star powers to fighter storylines. The pay-per-view success of UFC derives from the star factor relevant to the fighters involved, and more so if they are headlining the card. Like stated earlier, the main event shall be the singular draw to the fan, and having one very popular and in-demand fighter is what spells the difference in the overall success of a PPV. Conor McGregor is the very epitome of a fighter who drives huge PPV buys through his star power. It’s the charisma of McGregor, his ability to sell a fight through his trash talk, and highlight-reel knockouts, which have made him one of the biggest draws in the history of combat sports. His events almost always draw about a million PPV buys, independent of the undercard or the opponent. An example is the fight between McGregor and Khabib Nurmagomedov during UFC 229. This pay-per-view holds the record for the highest selling of all time, with more than 2.4 million buys. Crossover StarsThis is the kind of fighter that is important for bringing credibility to the PPV platform. For instance, credible and huge ticket fights for Ronda Rousey and Brock Lesnar cross over outside the world of MMA into the mainstream. In the example of Rousey, the combination of mainstream popularity with domination in the women’s bantamweight division set records for successful PPV events. In the case of Lesnar, a cash cow of professional wrestling, most of his huge draw was a product of various takes on his giant persona. A good PPV is going to have fighters in the headliner that the fans want to see and who offer some type of appeal with it, as it is the big sell point that brings in those who do not follow the sport, for the most part. Grudge Matches and Heated RivalriesRivalries with evidence of real animosity or past animosity will draw even more buys on PPV. For example, the feud between Jon Jones and Daniel Cormier set up to be one of the greatest feuds in UFC history, as both competitors went back and forth trash-talking one another, and at one point, a brawl broke out between the two at a press event. That helped light the fuse on the pressers, and high tension, coupled with the huge stakes that fight for a title brings, means Cormier-Jones fights are can’t-miss affairs and often translate to monster PPV successes. InterestUnderdog stories will also resonate with fans, particularly when a fighter upsets the odds to give an outcome against a dominant champion. This sets up the sympathetic favorite heading into the impossible to become the heavy emotional investment for the fans cheering that stage. For instance, the rise of Holly Holm leading to her shocking knockout of Ronda Rousey at UFC 193 was compelling and produced a record number of buys for a PPV. Championship Fights and LegacyTitle fights, and especially those with a belt on the line, add significance to what is already a huge event in a PPV show. Fans are always intrigued by a chance to see something historic—one of those types of fights shows that kind of moment when either the champion is pulling off the defense of the title or an underdog is trying to take the throne. Legacy fights do also quite well; a place in the history of the sport is one of the bigger talking points.An example of such a legacy fight that pushed the pay-per-view sales to big numbers is the return of Georges St-Pierre to the Octagon at UFC 217, where he took on the title of middleweight. Although the main event is obviously the headliner, an undercard and a co-main event really help with the whole success level of a PPV. If fans are going to be fully sold on a PPV, they need to feel like they’re getting enough bang for their buck in terms of quality fights, not just quantity. Stacked CardsThe need for these cards to be filled with action means the UFC often goes out of its way, booking multiple title fights or extremely popular fighters, though not always in title fights. For example, UFC 205 in New York City, the first show since the state legalized MMA, was headlined by three title fights and a few other important/relevant fights. All the same, the depth of that card most certainly helped it draw well over 1.3 million PPV buys at the gate. Upcoming Talents and Promising ProspectsAnother even important point in creating a much better up card for the PPV event is new fighters who are up and about with so much potential or with so much excitement going on around them. The potential for a breakout performance can arrest attention. Really, that’s how the UFC normally utilizes PPV events—a true platform for budding talent to showcase and ideally build their fan base. Diverse PairingsIt represents all the weight divisions and every fighting style, resulting in a wide cross-section of fans. Well-rounded cards, which have a pepper of striking battles and grappling showcases along with some tightly matched combats, ensure that there’s something in it for the MMA fan across the spectrum. It holds the viewers in suspense and contributes to overall lure towards the event. It is in this regard that promotion and marketing prove crucial in a UFC PPV event. The UFC is very strategic in promoting the events using both traditional media channels and the Campbell paper digital platforms and social media to build the
How UFC Fighters Cut Weight: Techniques and Challenges
Weight cutting is one of the hardest and most prominently discussed topics of mixed martial arts. UFC fighters tend to put themselves through rigorous weight cuts just to compete in lighter weight classes in hopes of gaining an advantage in size and strength against their opponents. This process is without a doubt grueling and dangerous, leading to greater physical and mental trauma. This paper discusses the weight-cutting practices for UFC fighters, presents the challenge, and raises the controversy regarding the topic. Weight cutting in the UFC would be the process of losing a lot of weight, usually by dehydration, which may take days or hours before the fight. The procedure is typically mainly aimed at ensuring the fighter meets the weight limit for a given weight category, usually not more than a day before the actual fight. Most importantly, after the process, they rehydrate and re-feed, often gaining quite some weight before stepping into the Octagon. For example, a fighter who competes at welterweight, which is 170 pounds, can easily walk around at 190 pounds and above during his training camp. In the remaining days to his fight, he will cut to 170 for weigh-ins and rehydrate to a way heavier weight for the fight. Weight cutting is, in fact, highly common but also one of the most risky practices in combat sports. Measures for shedding pounds fast include dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, kidney damage, and so forth. A fighter applies many tricks to shed pounds, such as reaching for the water weight in every tissue of the body possible. The most common methods include: Water Loading Water loading is the process in which a contender consumes a lot of water—up to two or more gallons a day during the week before the weigh-in. In such a way, one fools the corresponding body to lose more sodium and then to increase urination of necessary fluids. Then, in the day or two prior to the weigh-in, drastic reduction of water consumption is affected. The effect which has been noted is speedy dehydration in a process termed quick weight loss as the body will continue excreting water. Carbohydrate Restoration Carbohydrates are stored in the body as glycogen, which retains water. Removing carbohydrates from the diet will lower the glycogen stores—and, hence, the amount of water—in the body. Usually, this is the last minute trick an athletic person uses before a weigh-in.Sweating The most direct way to drop water weight is through sweating. This often sees boxers go into saunas, steam rooms, hot baths, or sometimes just in heavy clothing to try and break a sweat while working out. This can be effective but does carry the risk of dehydration and heat-related illnesses. Salt Manipulation This is because sodium helps retain water; therefore, by critically cutting down on sodium consumption, a fighter can enable the body to lose as much water as possible. This is always done in conjunction with water loading for maximum loss. Others go as far as taking diuretics that will increase the output of urine. Outrightly banned in the UFC, diuretics have every reason to be such because, aside from having their abuse, this can lead to dehydration, imbalances in electrolytes, and problems in kidneys. The use of diuretics can as well lead to a failed drug test and suspension. This makes fighters go to the extent of short-term fasting, trying to alter their body weight by cutting down on calories assumed on a daily basis to burn body fat and hence lower the amount of food in the digestive system. For as much as this can be seen to be of benefit, it also has its associated risks, especially with the inclusion of other extreme means of cutting weight. Weight cutting is both a physical and mental exercise. The process brings stress, changing people’s mood and many into an irritable and anxious state. In the process, fighters have to deal with a psychological strain of being hungry, thirsty, and fatigued all while remaining focused on their impending fight. With mental toughness, one can go through the after-effects related to weight reduction. The mental aspect, while a fighter sometimes goes through, has been compared with a mental test preparing the fighters for an actual fight, measuring discipline and determination. However, the negative mental strain can damage the performance of a fighter, especially if the weight is not correctly managed. Added to this, fighters shall dread not making weight because it will lead to monetary fines, prospective bonus losses, or possibly fight cancellation. The pressure to be on point with weight definitely puts an extra layer of stress on an already difficult process. After weigh-in, the focus is shifted to rehydration and recovery. An average sports fighter gets 24-36 hours to rehydrate, refuel, and collect all strengths and energy again for performing in the octagon at peak level. Rehydration The most important part of a recovery phase post- weigh-in is hydration. Fighters have quite often used oral rehydration solutions added to their electrolytes, such as sodium and potassium, usually in time for the body to restore its fluid balance. Oral rehydration solutions are much more beneficial and effective than water since it dilutes electrolytes, making such imbalances even worse. Some fighters speed this process along through intravenous (IV) rehydration, a controversial practice banned by some athletic commissions. The UFC’s anti-doping partner, USADA, generally prohibits most uses of IV rehydration for just that reason: because it can all too easily mask drug use. AutomatingRefueling: post-weigh-in, The need to restore the glycogen stores in the body is well supplemented by carbohydrate intake, albeit with the help of protein and fats to make for the fighter’s recovery. Fighters usually prefer many small, frequent meals in the hours after the weigh-in to avoid overloading their energy levels and not to stress the digestive system too much. After rehydration and refueling, he just focuses on resting, letting his already arduous body recover from the stress of weight cutting. Sleep, at this time, is of particular
Epic UFC Trilogies: Rivalries Spanning Three Iconic Fights
Rivalries, it seems, are part and parcel of the mixed martial art world. If two fighters meet within an Octagon, a clash of skills, wills, and personalities could well be in the narrative that draws in fans. But some become boiling matches of well-matched intensity, where more than one or two encounters save them. They are the trilogies, series of three fights that go down to the history books in UFC’s lore. This piece reviews some of the most epic UFC trilogies, rivalries that span exactly three iconic fights and make a mark in the sport. One of the most iconic trilogies in UFC history would be the Randy Couture vs. Chuck Liddell rivalry. Two of the most storied legends in the sport, these men helped to define the Light Heavyweight Division during the early part of the 2000s and put together one of the more memorable three-fight series on the record under the UFC banner. Debut Fight: UFC 43, June 6, 200 Their first bout was in UFC 43 as an interim UFC Light Heavyweight Championship; at this time, Liddell was recognized for his striking power, whereas Couture is a specialty of wrestling. In that fight, Couture had come into the fight as the underdog, with two straight losses. He shocked many by out-striking the famously feared Liddell en route to a TKO victory in the third round to claim the interim title. The win brought Couture back to relevance—a career rejuvenation— and set the stage for an all-time great rivalry. Second Fight: UFC 52 — April 16, 2005The champion’s long-awaited rematch came almost two years later at UFC 52, where Randy Couture was now the undisputed UFC Light Heavyweight Champion. So this time around, Liddell came in a lot wiser about the game plan Couture executed. He knocked out Couture cold, sending him face-down, with a right hand he launched in the first round. By this victory, Liddell reclaimed his title, evening the score at one each. That knockout was a career-making moment for Liddell, as he further got recognition as the most feared striker in the division. Third Match: UFC 57, February 4, 2006 The trilogy would be rounded out at UFC 57, where, once again, it was all about the UFC Light Heavyweight Championship. After that, Liddell went another step ahead to fumble Couture in the second round for a knockout win. That firmly planted him in the context of best light heavyweights and signified the end of the reign by Couture in that division. After the fight, Couture announced his retirement, although he later returned to compete in the heavyweight division. The Couture vs. Liddell trilogy brings an excellent illustration of how rivalry shaped the UFC in its early days of development. This trilogy remains critically noteworthy in the annals of this sport, considering the difference of the styles of both fighters and the high steaks during each bout. The threesome between Cain Velasquez and Junior dos Santos has remained the most brutal trilogy in heavyweight UFC history. The division’s two titans authored three wars that would impact their respective careers going forward and the heavyweight division at large. First Fight: UFC on Fox 1 — November 12, 2011The first battle Velasquez fought was a huge event—it was the first time the UFC had graced network television. During the fight, both men remained undefeated in UFC and Velasquez continued as the heavyweight champion. But the fight ended abruptly because shortly afterward, dos Santos hit a colossal overhand right, dropping Velasquez just 64 seconds into the first round via knockout to capture the UFC Heavyweight Championship. Few at the time had expected such a result and it eventually led to a head-to-head. Second Bout: UFC 155, December 29, 2012A year later, Velasquez got his chance to take back his title from dos Santos at UFC 155. Relentless in his desire by this time to take back what was rightfully his, Velasquez sprang out of the gates and went hard after the man who had taken everything from him. He battered dos Santos every step of the way, pounding on him with pressure, ground-and-pound, and takedowns en route to a lopsided unanimous decision victory that earned back the heavyweight belt. The fight really displayed Velasquez’s fine cardio and toughness, setting up a highly anticipated rubber match. Third Battle: UFC 166, October 19, 2013 The trilogy came to an end at UFC 166 that featured the last confrontation between Velasquez and dos Santos. Yet again, Velasquez applied his signature heavy pressuring style and wrestling to gradually break down the Brazilian. It was yet another war, but the pressure of Velasquez consequently resulted in a fifth-round TKO as dos Santos could not station a proper defense. The win has now formed Velasquez as the top and heavyweight kingpin of UFC, and also it was the climax of seeming to bring down the biggest trilogy regarding physical output in UFC history. The Velasquez vs. dos Santos trilogy will long be remembered for how fiercely it was fought and how it physically took a toll on both the fighters. Both bouts showcased the toughness and skill of the two heavyweights in one of the more significant rivalries the division has seen in its history. The showdowns between Georges St. Pierre and Matt Hughes would be important in UFC history because it marked a transition of power in the storied welterweight division from one legend to another. Their trilogy helped catapult St-Pierre into the conversation of one of the greatest fighters ever, with emerging evidence of the evolution of MMA Sport. First Fight: UFC 50 (October 22, 2004The initial bout between St-Pierre and Hughes happened in UFC 50 for the completely undisputed UFC Welterweight Championship. Hughes at that time being the titleholder was a recognized legend, whereas St-Pierre was an upcoming raw talent at that time. During the first round of battle, Hughes trapped St Pierre in an armbar with just 1 second left and caused St-Pierre to submit. The victory
The Most Heartwarming Moments in UFC History
With intense rivalries to brutal knockouts, high drama almost always rules the UFC; all that bad boy competition harbors moments that tug at the heartstrings. These are moments of the humane perspective, where beyond the punches and kicks, the UFC represents a story of resilience, respect, and human bonding. This article takes a look at some of the most heartwarming moments throughout UFC history. The emotional side of mixed martial arts often gets lost with all the hype and adrenaline that goes into big matches. The pageantry star of Khabib Nurmagomedov’s victory over Conor McGregor at UFC 229 in 2018 won. The fight was more than much awaited; it had a very heated build-up. After a submission win for Khabib, a post-fight brawl ensued, resulting in chaos both inside and outside the Octagon. Lost in the mayhem, Daniel Cormier, one of Khabib’s friends and training partners, quickly came to Khabib’s corner. In a scuffle as intense as that one, Cormier’s first worry was if Khabib was all right. He embraced Khabib, gave words of comfort, and tried to calm his friend down. That was itself quite a moment of friendship and support, illuminating in no uncertain way just how deep ties can bind fighters, and how powerful a very strong support system can be for an MMA fighter—the one dealing with this really big bag of mixed feelings. The image of Cormier consoling Khabib became one of the banner photos of UFC 229, encapsulating the human side of the fiercest rivalries. A fight that, for good reason, is widely known as perhaps one of the UFC’s most essential fights; it was Forrest Griffin against Stephan Bonnar at the finale for “The Ultimate Fighter” season 1 in 2005. That fight was an all-out war from end to end, igniting a love for the sport among the fans and turning out to be huge in taking the UFC mainstream. Through the three brutal rounds, the two fighters turned out to be weary and battered, but they surely gave all they had in the Octagon that night. As the final bell rang, Griffin and Bonnar closed the night fighting and embracing at the same time in a hug that said so much about mutual respect and admiration for each other. It was a strong picture of sportsmanship and brotherhood in a fight that physically had taken so much from both men. Although Griffin walked away with the decision victory, both of them received contracts, and their careers were forever linked by that legendary night. That hug between Griffin and Bonnar is one of those moments that is part of UFC history, a photo showcasing the heart and spirit of the sport. With chins built from granite and knockout power aplenty in their fists, Mark Hunt and Roy Nelson are undoubtedly two favorites among the UFC’s heavyweights. These guys came to fight, bringing two of the stiffest hitters in the division to take each other face-to-face in 2014 at UFC Fight Night 52. Hunt got the win with a walk-off knockout early in round two, but the scenes that followed were almost as dramatic. With Nelson flat-out cold on the canvas, Hunt walked over, lifted his felled opponent onto his feet and embraced him in an impromptu show of respect and sportsmanship. The gesture represented the mutual complement of two great personalities and a reminder that even if it was a brutal sport, MMA provided space for compassion and respect. The photo of Hunt helping Nelson to his feet after their clash was an instant success but also, with it, it put the spotlight on one of the less considered areas of fighting: the mutual respect and friendship between combatants. Rose Namajunas’s upset victory here in New York at UFC 217 in 2017 was one of the most emotional moments in UFC history. Leading up to the fight, Jędrzejczyk was part of psychological warfare, taunting Namajunas, questioning her mental toughness. But Namajunas remained composed. Shortly after that, Namajunas surprised everyone by knocking Jędrzejczyk out in the first round to claim the UFC Women’s Strawweight Championship. In the speech she made after the match, an emotional Namajunas talked about things like inspiration and mental health. She mentioned how she had come above many personal problems to step out at that moment and how she wanted to become a role model to others, just like many people had been to her. The victory of Namajunas and her heartfelt message touched fans all over the sphere. Instantly, her humility and grace in victory made her a fan favorite, and her saga went on to become an inspiration for many. The tale of Michael Bisping’s journey to the UFC Middleweight Championship speaks volumes about sheer persistence. In several years of contention, Bisping finally got to vie for the title, on short notice, opposite Luke Rockhold at UFC 199 in 2016. He was a massive underdog entering the fight, but he turned the world upside down by knocking out Rockhold just 3:37 into the first round to win the championship. The win was further emotional because Bisping had been a late replacement for the injured Chris Weidman and took the fight with only 17 days of notice. The veteran fighter, Bisping, was almost in tears during his post-fight interview, reflecting on the long journey to the top and the sacrifices made by him along the way. He dedicated his victory to the people and fans, and he said he could never have done any of this without them.Bisping’s title win was, by all measures, one of the storybook, feel-good moments in UFC history, epitomizing the strength that one can garner through tenacity and the value in never yielding on the possibilities of one’s dreams. Ronda Rousey was the supposedly most dominant champion in the history of Ultimate Fight Championship. The fights, so close to each other, often resulted in quick victories; stunning for a pleasant result—an unseen bond with her mother, AnnMaria De Mars, former world judo champion,
The Evolution of UFC Fight Wear: From Shorts to Gloves
What had started in 1993 with the UFC has evolved radically, from the sport to the equipment and attire worn by burly gladiators. From what was, in essence, a no-holds-barred competition with very few rules and virtually no guidelines regarding pugilistic garb, replete with Chuck Taylors, the UFC has grown into a highly regulated sport with standardized fight wear, designed to ensure safety, fairness, and marketability. This article will delve into the evolution of UFC fight wear from the early days of mixed martial arts to the modern era, enlisting major changes and innovations in how fighters have dressed and competed in the Octagon. Unveil: When the UFC first kicked off its inaugurating event back in 1993, there were literally no rules in place that participants established inside the Octagon. Ever since the beginning, what junior fashioning UFC wanted to prove was which fighting style proved most effective in a real fight. So, fighters wore whatever they felt gave them an edge over the opponent. This created quite a mixed bag of fight wear in the first couple of UFC shows and runs. Fighter Royce Gracie of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu entered the octagon in his traditional white gi, which he would use presidentially in his multiple submission wins. The ability to grasp and manipulate holding in various places is what gave Royce an advantage over all of his opponents in positioning and ferreting. Other fighters, such as Dan Severn, would wear wrestling singlets—almost like they were just going to wrestle it out—while strikers like Gerard Gordeau would just wear a pair of shorts and sometimes even go bare. While this added to the novelty of the site, it also must have brought forward the idea that as the sport took hold and grew, to a large extent there had to be some standardization driven by consistency and safety. As the UFC went through a popularizing transition, the need to create a standard attire of dress became prudent so that real competitive equity between fighters would be set up and no one kind of dressing would turn out to be an advantage. As the UFC matured during the late 1990s and the early 2000s, the organization started adopting rules and regulations on bans, one of them on attire to wear while fighting ;the most noticeable one was the adoption of fight shorts. The will of the UFC mandated the wearing of shorts, as opposed to the use of gis, singlets, or some other form of full body uniform. Arguably, the reason for this was to provide a level of uniformity and reduce the potential chance that any one fighter could gain one over the other as a result of his or her attire. The shorts also had to meet certain specifications regarding length, material, and fit to ensure they did not hinder movement or pose a safety risk. Immediately, fight shorts turned into a signature souvenir of MMA—with fighters and brands making custom shorts that showed a bit about them or what they stood for. Many of these shorts bore the logos of sponsors, hence turning into quite a lucrative income stream for fighters. In essence, brands such as Tapout, Hayabusa, and Bad Boy became very closely related to the sport, while some fighters like Chuck Liddell, Georges St-Pierre, and Tito Ortiz became recognized by their classic fight shorts. The standardization of shorts was truly a benchmark in UFC’s journey from being a sideshow to a sport. It professionalized the image of the fighters—hence, that of the organization as a whole—setting the stage for further innovations in fight wear. MMA gloves constitute another significant innovation in the history of UFC fight wear for their marketing and development. Gloves with an optional choice have been in UFC during the initial stages of early UFC, although most of the fighters wish to face competition with bare knuckle fights. However, later, with advanced and progressive commitment towards the game, the necessity of protective gloves came into place. The introduction of gloves was based on a combination of factors oriented toward fighter safety and the wish to minimize cuts and injuries. The first gloves used for UFC events were set up to protect hands and knuckles while keeping full access to grapple and conduct submissions. While boxing gloves are heavily padded, MMA gloves are very light with open fingers to provide the necessary grip on opponents in order to execute submissions effectively. In 1997, at UFC 14, the gloves used in the premier UFC event became an almost unintentional trademark for MMA. Weighing between 4-6 oz., the gloves had enough padding to protect the hand, but not so much that the fighter could not deliver immense intensity and speed from MMA striking. Design differences have drastically evolved with MMA gloves over the years. Modern-day gloves come with improved padding, increased wrist support, and are made from materials much stronger in nature. All of these have reduced the chances of injuring one’s hands, keeping most of the protective functionalities that are necessary for both grappling and striking. Brands like Everlast, UFC, and Venum have specialized gloves for all the various disciplines that MMA now entails. Not only did gloves improve the safety of the fighter, but their introduction also increased the legitimacy of the sport into a definition more audience-friendly and less barbaric/dangerous in the public’s perception. During its time in the growth phase, the UFC most certainly brought importance to and solicitation of sponsorship for fight wear. Fighters began getting deals with clothing companies, supplement lines, and countless other businesses; how they fought was a major way of marketing their sponsors. Gone are the days when you could see fighters in the 2000s with sponsors all over their shorts. Most of the logos were situated in and over crucial areas for them to be visible during the fights. A lot of money changed fighters’ lives in such endorsements. Tap Out, Affliction, and Bad Boy all became placements that were splattered all over the Octagon, but
UFC’s Most Notorious Bad Boys: Fighters Who Loved to Play the Villain
At the end of the day, every hero does need a villain. Throughout UFC history, a lot of fighters have been given the role as being the “bad boy” in the organization. These fighters have earned great success inside the Octagon, showing an ability to compete at the highest level while engaging in voluminous controversy and trash talking, alongside general antics, that strangely endear them to fans. These fighters have desecrated the UFC, whether it was by brash personality, provocative statements, or unsportsmanlike behavior. This article churns through some of the most notorious bad boys in UFC history and how their playing-the-villain role perfectly affected their own careers and the sport itself. Nobody can deny that Conor McGregor is definitely the UFC’s bad boy. With sharp words of tongue, and a very flamboyant lifestyle, McGregor has been able to masterfully get under the skin of his opponents. His God-given talent in promoting fights through trash talk and mind games is incomparable and is one of its largest key factors to date on his rise to stardom. McGregor’s bad boy style made him freely talk to the press ahead of his fight with Jose Aldo at UFC 194. McGregor was relentless and boisterous toward getting his hands on Jose Aldo, calling him a “little Brazilian” and promising to knock him out in the first round. Some of his antics were snatching Aldo’s belt during a press conference and having a heated exchange that almost led to a brawl. Come fight night, McGregor emulated his words and knocked Aldo out cold in just 13 seconds to claim the latter’s featherweight title. But the most villainous side of McGregor came at the fighting event against Khabib Nurmagomedov. Prior to the fight at UFC 229, McGregor indulged with personal animosities against Khabib, his family, and religion. Such hostility between the two led to the post-fight scuffle, wherein it also went into the fans, consequently, both faced fines and suspensions. Beyond all the hype, though, McGregor is also one of the most successful and best-patronized fighters in the history of UFC. He articulates the face role in being the bad boy more than any man alive, but that is part of what has made him such a global household name and figure apart from his peers. Before Conor McGregor stormed into the UFC, Chael Sonnen was the king of trash-talking in MMA. Sonnen, the former UFC Middleweight and Light Heavyweight contender, is infamously brash of personality, quick of wit, and superb at selling a fight. He became one of the most famous bad boys within the sport by constantly bad-mouthing his way to victory. One of Sonnen’s most famous feuds was with Anderson Silva, to whom he challenged for the UFC Middleweight Championship at UFC 117. Leading up to the fight, though, Sonnen verbally assaulted the champion, calling him “a fraud” and labeling him as being highly “overrated.” Sonnen even played a foul game, insulting Silva’s home country of Brazil, which brought humongous outrage from the fans of that country. Sonnen talked big, but he certainly backed it up by completely dominating Silva for four and a half rounds of the fight. Silva was up against it, but in a dramatic turnaround, he was able to catch a triangle armbar with a minute and a half to go in the final round, and it forced Sonnen to tap out. But for this strong performance by Sonnen and his continuous trash talk, he got a rematch, in which he came off second best against Silva once again. Sonnen could play the villain like very, very few others could. He’s feuded with nearly every fixture in his weight class, the most high-profile of them including Jon Jones, Tito Ortiz, and Michael Bisping. His willingness to say whatever needed to be said to get under his opponents’ skin had set him up as a must-see fighter, at one time even when his fans tuned in to see him lose.Chael Sonnen’s swagger, the bad guy image in the cage, was more fun than him putting up a front; because of it, he would go on making himself one of the most memorable characters in UFC history, where his orations and bravado would form the way nowadays the sport promotes fights. Nick Diaz is a fighter who has lived and fought by his own code. Chris Cox, writing for Bleacher Report, has labeled Diaz, along with partner Nate, as notorious bad boys, whereas a separate writer on the same platform, Jordy McElroy, writes, “Diaz is the reputation tarnisher”. Much of Diaz’s identities of being bad derive from his attitude both in and out of the octagon, never down to mince his words but even less so when it comes to crapping on the UFC, its fighters, or the sport. His trash talk is usually intended not to promote a fight but instead to tell the truth about his irritation toward the opponent and the establishment. Among Diaz’s more memorable moments came during his feud with all‐time great Georges St‐Pierre. Leading up to their bout at UFC 158, Diaz accused St‐Pierre of being coddled by the UFC and also of ducking the tough fights, and this made the UFC increase the interest between Diaz and St‐Pierre. As heavily as St‐Pierre tested Diaz’s resiliency, he emerged the winner via decision, though the showdown is one that was worth the watch. Not only does this lend a lot to his bad boy persona but it makes him a favorite with so many people coming out on the losing end. Diaz is a notorious figure who has courted controversy from his actions over the years. He has been suspended for indulging in marijuana use on more than one occasion and, with the exception of his early career, has always had a controversial relationship with the UFC. Diaz remains one of the most celebrated fighters in mixed martial arts. He has a cult following that appreciates his rebellious nature and unbridled desires. Nick Diaz
The Most Brutal Elbow Strikes in UFC History
Within mixed martial arts, an elbow strike is possibly the most destructive and versatile weapon that a martial artist can possess. The elbow is capable of producing lacerations easily, causing a knockout on impact, and even shattering bone. Over the years, countless brutal elbow strikes have occurred in the UFC alone, many of which have become etched into memory as some of the greatest moments within this young sport. This article brings you some of the most brutal and memorable elbow strikes ever to be delivered inside the UFC, showing what it really takes to exert such force and precision in those devastating blows. Jon Jones is regarded as one of the greatest mixed martial artists of all time, and the use of elbows is one of the elements that makes his dominance prominent among the light heavyweight division. One of the most memorable examples of Jones’ lethal elbow strikes took place in his fight with Brandon Vera at UFC Live in 2010. In the first round, Jones put Vera to the ground and assumed a very dominant position. He then launched a really vicious elbow into Vera’s face that busted right through his orbital bone and left him writhing in pain. The fight was stopped soon after, with Jones being awarded the TKO victory. The effect of that elbow was so bad that it did, in fact, end Vera’s night brutally and secure Jones’ place as an emerging star in the UFC. This is pretty much hailed as one of the best examples of using his long limbs and creativity to inflict maximum damage on opponents. That elbow strike landed on Vera is among the most lethal to be thrown in UFC history and helped to turbocharge Jones towards his eventual title reign. We all remember what Anderson Silva became—an all-time great in the UFC. Now remember this—back in 2006 at Cage Rage 16, he dispatched Tony Fryklund with one of the most peculiar and vicious elbow strikes ever seen in MMA. This isn’t per se a UFC fight, but it must be included because of how creative the strike really is. Silva, notoriously known for his uncanny, striking accuracy and precision, was in control of the fight when he came up with what is aptly described as a “reverse elbow” or “upward elbow,” which sent the strike flush onto the jaw of Fryklund. It was a pretty quick and accurate strike because it was so strong that he knocked Fryklund completely out right there on his feet. Silva’s use of the unorthodox elbow signaled the striking genius and laid down the base for his legendary UFC career. Although Silva would go on to tremendous success in the UFC, including breaking records in title reigns, the reverse elbow on Fryklund is still very much one of the most iconic moments of his career and a highlight that has stood long since he first made a statement in the organization. Travis Browne let loose arguably the nastiest barrage of elbow strikes to date on Josh Barnett at the year-end UFC 168 in 2013. The strong, explosive Browne would take on the wily veteran wily heavyweight with a legitimate submission grappling background in Barnett. Within the first round, Barnett pushed for a takedown as he pinned Browne against the cage. Takedown attempts were defended with Browne repeatedly catching Barnett to the side of his head with sharp, downward elbow strikes. These elbows were strong and on-point enough to knock Barnett out, cold, leaving him crumpled below against the fence. It was one of the very best appearances in Browne’s young career and showed the use of elbows in close quarters. Those were brutal and efficient blows, where Browne had just proven he could somehow generate knockout power from such a short range. The stoppage was one of the most memorable in the heavyweight division of the UFC. Matt Brown, or “The Immortal,” is one of the grittiest and more aggressive fighters in the history of UFC. In his fight against Diego Sanchez in 2017 at UFC Fight Night 120, he delivered one of the most devastating elbow knockouts in the Octagon. A furious brawl opened up the first round with Brown and Sanchez, as both fighters teed off with heavy bombs. But it was Brown who struck the striking shot—a perfectly timed elbow—that caught Sanchez flush on the temple. This not only catapults Sanchez on his way to the canvas but sends him out cold. A brutal, emphatic knockout, and that had again confirmed Brown’s capacity to finish with elbows. Being sharp and bang-on with the aim, the hit was not short of mighty, putting both fans and commentators in awe-kind. Now, Brown’s win over Sanchez gets held up as one of the best knockouts of his career, a perfect example of the deadly potential of elbow strikes in MMA. Yair Rodriguez delivered a Knockout of the Year performance against “The Korean Zombie” Chan Sung Jung with a stunning upward elbow at UFC Fight Night 139 back in 2018—the combat fight, incidentally the basis for last week’s latest anniversary card, a demolition derby where both of them exchanged the flow of blows channeled over that course of five excruciating 25-minute rounds. But as the fifth and final round was just seconds from expiration, Rodriguez—apparently on the losing end of a decision—changed levels to slip underneath a Jung punch, throwing an upward elbow directly up through an almost anatomically impossible angle. That elbow connected flush on Jung’s chin, putting him out cold to deliver Rodriguez a last-second knockout. It was such a spectacular and unexpected knockout that it stormed the universe right away, hailed as one of the best finishes in UFC history. Rodriguez put his spectacular and creative striking on display when he managed to execute his strike in the waning moments of the fight, making the skills he possesses very unique. Jon Jones appears on this list yet again, but this time for completely mixing Matyushenko up with his
The Impact of COVID-19 on UFC: Adaptations and Challenges
The COVID-19 pandemic, from early 2020, brought almost everything across the world to a standstill. Sporting activities were no different, and the UFC was not an exception to the challenges that most outfits are going through at the moment. The pandemic disorganized events, brought about cancellations, and demanded quick, quality rescheduling to ensure fighter, staff, and fan safety. The article can discuss how the UFC navigated through the COVID-19 pandemic, the challenges it has faced, and the adaptations put in place while scrutinizing its long-term implications on the sport. The early months of 2020 carried with them the uncertainty of how bad the COVID-19 pandemic was going to become. Major sports leagues around the world started to suspend their seasons, and the UFC was no different. Back in March 2020, the UFC had a number of events that were called off, including UFC 249 with a big bout between Khabib Nurmagomedov and Tony Ferguson. An integral part of this UFC 249 cancellation related to the fact that it amounted to the fifth time a fight between the two competitors, Nurmagomedov and Ferguson had been called off, with this being due to the pandemic. The event was first postponed, with hopes that it would eventually be rescheduled in the near future. It thus became worse and more evident that, really, the UFC would need new ways of operation in this very challenging environment. UFC President Dana White was walking a tightrope at times in which the organization was struggling to navigate through this changing landscape. While the pandemic forced other sporting organizations to completely pack up shop and cease operations, White chose to have the show go on. One of the most innovative solutions the UFC implemented during the pandemic was the creation of what can only be described as. “Fight Island.” It was supposed to give space to international fighters who could not arrive in America because of the stricter rules. The UFC mixed martial arts event made it possible for the doors now to be open on Yas Island in the United Arab Emirates, in probably the world’s most captivating city, Abu Dhabi. UFC Fight Island became operational in July 2020, and the first fight took place at UFC 251. That event was spectacular and included some great fights, such as Kamaru Usman vs. Jorge Masvidal for the UFC Welterweight Championship. Creating Fight Island itself involved logistics beyond belief: the amount of testing, quarantines, and abeyance of all the safety protocols to ensure the health and safety of everybody involved, down to a T. As it turned out, Fight Island was the success that really drove home the UFC’s ability to deflect the problems prompted by the pandemic. It offered a way for international fighters to compete and allowed UFC to continue having fights on an international scale. Fight Island became a metonym for the UFC’s resilience during a pandemic, with much credit going to the promotion for such brilliant work in getting beyond the travel restrictions and health concerns. Making Do with Empty Arenas Another key challenge that the UFC had to cope with during the pandemic was the challenge of doing away with live audiences. Usually, UFC events occur in packed cages with thousands of fans, and this electric atmosphere gives the feel and touch to the fights. Under the imposition of the COVID-19 norm on social distancing, the UFC had to organize empty-arena tournaments, completely different from what was normal. It really did affect how the events worked—as well, the lack of crowds. Businessmen had to work without that special effect of fan energy; the atmosphere was simply different. The quietness at ringside brought out everything for the home viewer: the shots landing, the coaches’ instructions, and even fighters’ breathing brought out a brand new dimension to the whole spectacle. While some fighters shone through under the sparser atmosphere, others struggled without the buzz from a watching crowd. UFC also went a step further and had to find ways to make the broadcasts exciting without the reactions that would ideally come from the crowd. Through it all, the UFC kept chugging along with its events so that at least the sport’s fans could still watch it, even in a very different form. During a pandemic, the top priority for the UFC was to ensure the safety of fighters, the staff, and everyone around the events. The organization set up rigorous caution standards and procedures to reduce the risk of viral transmission. Some of these measures included rigorous bigging up fighters and their teams through testing, supposing mandatory quarantines and rigorous health screening. Fighters and corner teams were subject to extensive testing, not just pre-event but also during and after the event. Any positive test result by a fighter took them out of the show which, in effect, led to the postponement or re-booking of their fight. On some occasions, positive tests meant shuffling whole fight cards at the last minute, with fight nights seeing changes and new matchups. The UFC also created strict social distancing rules; the number of individuals in the arena was reduced, there was at least six feet of separation between the commentators, and exactly the same applied to as many of the production staff as possible. Masks required for all individuals on production, and non-essential people limited to a large extent; the Octagon was sanitized literally between fights. In spite of these preparations, however, there have been cases where positive COVID-19 tests interrupted even the arranged fights of these fighters. The testing and precautions limited the spread as much as possible and allowed for events to continue. The UFC lost a lot of money as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. It lost a lot of its income through the doors as earnings from ticket selling, merchandise, and concessions. More often than not, this usually runs into the millions. The main goal was to sell Pay-Per-View (PPV) events and, nowadays, there have been enormous amounts of revenue made by doing this
The Best UFC Fighters Never to Win a Title
For most, capturing a UFC championship belt is the highest achievement in competition in the high stakes world of the UFC. They dedicate their whole lives to train, sustain injuries, and fight their way through until they are finally able to capture the gold. But not every great fighter gets to have the belt. For others, who have good skills and played well with the fans to get a huge fan base, a UFC title just remained a blip on the screen. It is an overview of some very good UFC fighters who never managed to capture a championship in the Octagon, despite their talents and success. Joseph Benavidez is widely considered one of the greatest fighters to never have won a UFC championship. He fought in the bantamweight and flyweight divisions, making a name for himself as aggressive and complete, fighting from a wrestling base while possessing knockout power. He would be perennially placed in contention in multiple flyweight title shots, and in both cases, he would fail to grab the championship. The first title shot for Benavidez came in 2012 at UFC 152, when he took on Demetrious “Mighty Mouse” Johnson and lost by a narrow split decision in a fight to determine the very first UFC Flyweight Champion. Benavidez returned to have his next shot at the champion Johnson at UFC on Fox 9 in 2013; in this match, though, Johnson knocked him out in the first round. Although these fortunes seemed to swing against him, Benavidez remained one of the flyweight division’s top contenders for years. Again, he got a fight against Deiveson Figueiredo at UFC Fight Night 169 in 2020. In what was a sad tale of events, Figueiredo happened to miss weight, and thus he was ruled out as far as winning the title was concerned. In the end, Benavidez was devastated by a TKO. He was submitted by Figueiredo in the first round of their rematch later on that year. Benavidez has announced his official retirement from the sport in 2021, a career unmatched in the flyweight division, but without a title to show. That career only speaks of much toughness and skill from him, which leaves him quite the figure that many look up to in the MMA community. Another fighter whose career has been defined by near-misses in title fights is Alexander Gustafsson. The Swedish light heavyweight might be best known for his epic wars with Jon Jones and Daniel Cormier—many would call them two of the better fights in UFC history. Gustafsson wrested his first chance at the UFC Light Heavyweight Championship by challenging Jon Jones in 2013 at UFC 165. What many people believe could have gone either way, Gustafsson pushed his reset buttons to the limit against the champion Jones, taking him deep into the water and becoming the first man ever to take him down in the Octagon. Unfortunately, due to a gallant effort from Gustafsson, Jones won by a razor-thin unanimous decision and therefore continued to elude Gustafsson. Score one more victory, and Gustafsson would meet the belt again. Gustafsson confronted UFC 192 in October of 2015 against Daniel Cormier. Proving Gustafsson once again was involved in a close and back-and-forth war where at the end Cormier split the decision. It wasn’t until 2018 at UFC 232 that The Swede finally got his rematch with Jon Jones but, once more, he fell short as Jones was able to finish him off via TKO in round three, crushing Gustafsson’s aspirations for claiming the light heavyweight crown. Certainly, never one to have won a championship, Gustafsson did do enough work against the best 205-pounders to be in the contention for one of the best light heavyweights of his time. Donald “Cowboy” Cerrone stands one of the most liked and entertaining fighters in the history of the UFC. A man known for taking on all-comers at virtually any venue and at any time, a good share of history is squarely lame with him. He has placed many records including most wins and the most finishes within UFC history, but a UFC title has always eluded him. It was his versatility that allowed Cerrone to fluidly leap between the lightweight class and the welterweight class while remaining a constant contender. He first dipped his toes into the lightweight belt at UFC on Fox 17 in 2015 against the champion Rafael dos Anjos, although a nasty body kick derailed ever so briefly his plans of capturing the lightweight strap. Cerrone kept on rolling, fighting the best at the highest levels, bumping up to welterweight, and picking up a string of extremely nice victories. He would never quite be able to get another title shot. Yet with that, he always remained a fan favorite because of the exciting style in which he fights, always approaches fights with his take-on-any-challenger mentality, and his cowboy persona. It is this longevity, combined with record-breaking feats and the reputation for being one of the toughest and most exciting fighters to date, that truly defines Cerrone’s legacy in the UFC. Even without having captured the title, Cerrone contributions will forever be etched into MMA history. Dan Henderson has had quite a storied career in mixed martial arts, getting his hands on the titles of multiple organizations. Yet despite championships in PRIDE and Strikeforce, Henderson never became a UFC champion—at best, a secondary blemish on the face of an entry-worthy résumé. Henderson made his first bid for a UFC title in 1998 at UFC 17 when he won the middleweight tournament, but titles were not used for the divisions in the UFC until after 2001. He fought again in the UFC at UFC 75 in 2007, title in New as the PRIDE middleweight and welterweight champion; in that fight, he lost due to a unanimous decision against Quinton “Rampage” Jackson; this gave Quinton the “right” to combine his title with that of the PRIDE organization.Henderson next moved down to middleweight to face Anderson Silva at UFC 82
Spotted by the Paps: Who Hangs Out with Who Outside the Octagon
From intense rivalries to high-stakes battles, fierce in-Octagon competition defines the world of mixed martial arts. However, it is not just about bloodshed when these hard-hitting athletes step out of their cage; it’s also a window into some great friendships, camaraderie, and alliances that define another side of the fighters. Those are a few of the relationships, mostly forged in training camps and long hours at the gym but often in shared experiences, which prove that even fighters as tough as nails need company and bonds of friendship. This article will detail a life outside of the Octagon for some of the top fighters in the UFC, showing exactly who hangs out with whom and how those relationships affect their personal and professional lives. One of the most popular friendships within the UFC circle is that of Conor McGregor and Artem Lobov. Their friendship has blossomed from training under the same roof at SBG Dublin, Ireland, under the famous coach John Kavanagh. With McGregor being flashy in his ways as a former UFC Featherweight and Lightweight champion, with Lobov, a Russian-born fighter, having the reputation of ruggedness and gameness, both fighters clicked at an instant on a very personal level rather than just their business relationship. Lobov, commonly regarded as “The Russian Hammer,” has been a loyal friend and training partner to McGregor for the longest time. He has been a great influence on the rise to fame of McGregor, so they have both been inseparable in everything—from training to out of the gym. Together, they peacefully shared a bond of mutual respect and loyalty as their interaction continued over the years. That loyalty was, perhaps, most typified during the UFC 223 fracas, when McGregor—infamously—threw a dolly at a bus carrying UFC fighters. The incident was reportedly in response to an altercation between Lobov and Khabib Nurmagomedov, showcasing how far the Notorious One is willing to go to defend his friend. Apart from their UFC careers, the duo of McGregor and Lobov can always be spotted together at social functions, no matter if it is parties or any media event. In fact, Lobov was also present during McGregor’s boxing debut against Floyd Mayweather. These two more or less have a professional relationship rather than a personal one. McGregor can often be heard calling Lobov his brother. It has been a mutually blooming relationship wherein McGregor has paved ways for Lobov in the UFC circuit and Lobov repaying his adamant loyalty. Daniel Cormier and Khabib Nurmagomedov were two of the most outstanding fighters in the history of the UFC and shared a bond that crossed a middle-of-the-road training partner squabble. Both of these men have been key fighters for the American Kickboxing Academy in San Jose, California, under the tutelage of coach Javier Mendez. Cormier, a former two-division UFC champion in the light heavyweight and heavyweight divisions, and Nurmagomedov, the undefeated former UFC lightweight champion, are rarely seen apart, whether in the gym or outside. Their friendship is built on mutual respect, shared values, and a deep understanding of the sacrifices needed to rise to the top of the sport. Maybe the greatest element of their friendship is their shared cultural values. Cormier and Nurmagomedov come from a wrestling background and regard the discipline that a sport demands, because of the sacrifice it makes. This similarity has seen them get along great in the years passed as previously mentioned. The two are blessed with a culture of humility, industriousness and respect – which has been clear in both their respective careers. The friendship between Cormier and Nurmagomedov was at its peak while the latter was rising as UFC Lightweight Champion. Cormier remained in Nurmagomedov’s corner on many instances, explaining to him how fights work. On several occasions, the latter spoke highly of Cormier and his role as a mentor and big brother. Their friendship took center stage after the emotional after-show of UFC 229, in which Nurmagomedov had just reigned triumphant over already-fallen Conor McGregor in the most anticipated, explosive, and tense fight. Coming as one of the first contenders for that massive post-fight commotion, Cormier made his way to console the just-concluded winner, a show of deep spark that their friendship has developed. This raises, on a higher level, the importance of their friendship in terms of being capable of handling all pressures and challenges faced by being top athletes in the UFC.Outside of the Octagon, one can see Cormier and Nurmagomedov attending sporting events, celebrating their victories, or just messing around. It is testifying strongly to those sorts of connections that can occur in and around the sport of mixed martial arts when there is recognition of power and common experience. The UFC has no dearth of charismatic and explosive fighters such as Jorge Masvidal and Yoel Romero. Their friendship has traversed years of training together. Both fighters share Cuban heritage, which plays a huge role in their close bond. Masvidal, known as “Gamebred,” and Romero, who is often referred to as “The Soldier of God,” were originally together in Miami, where they trained side by side at the American Top Team. The camp environment and bond have clearly fostered a special and unique brotherhood between both fighters, whose similar cultural backgrounds and immigrant experience in America clearly formed the base of a connection that would only blossom further from the seed. Besides becoming close friends in the gym, both seem glued to each other in various places around different social gatherings. Whether it’s an action to attend a post-fight party or to just appreciate a meal at a nearby eatery, Masvidal and Romero have been seen socializing away from the grueling training.Still, especially with his Olympic wrestling pedigree and crazy knockout power in the cage, Romero is more often seen cageside while Masvidal competed, lending words of wisdom and encouragement, as Masvidal has worked his corner, shouting instructions and identifying the number of issues in controversial middleweight title fights. Their friendship only reflects the real characters they