Category «Opinion Pieces»

Rise or Regression: How the UFC cash-in on Khamzat Chimaev is stalling his development

As UFC shows halted during the first stateside surge in COVID-19 cases, and with Endeavor’s debt obligations towering over the entire operation, it became clear something radical was in order. The simple phrase “Fight Island” was a tantalizing change of pace for fans desensitized to Zuffa’s utter lack of showmanship. Whatever details Dana White wouldn’t …

Killing Floor: The Subtler Levers of the UFC Machine

In boxing, fighters set the stage. They choose an opponent, negotiate for the weight they meet at, the location of the fight, the gloves which shall be used, the date of the contest, who will referee, the length of the bout, who will judge the match, if drug testing will take place, which organization handles …

Don’t Believe the Hype: MMA’s Underachievers

Every prospect who enters the top levels of MMA carries with them expectations. Some benefit from being underrated and proving their critics wrong. This article is about those who through company favoritism or a select few strong performances or simply word of mouth seemed destined for greatness only to find out that nothing is preordained. …