The 1 vs 2 Debate returns with the future of Mixed Martial Arts. UFC 100 happens tonight as Frank Mir faces Brock Lesnar for the Undisputed Heavyweight Crown. Mir won their first encounter (picture above) via submission. While this is a milestone occasion for the UFC, what does the future hold? Mr. Yoder I and II debate.
Mr. Yoder I - Well Y2, MMA takes center stage with UFC celebrating their 100th show and one of the most anticipated fight cards in MMA history. It's been a long ride to its current position of prominence, yet I'm not convinced there is much growth potential for MMA. The sport has found its niche with young college kids that like to see guys knock the crap out of each other, but is it really mainstream?
Mr. Yoder II - There is a certain gladiator element to the UFC that will always draw viewers. With the combination of grappling, striking, martial arts, and wrestling, there is something for everybody. Also, the slow self-destruction of boxing into bolivion, as Mike Tyson would say, will open up more viewers to the sport. UFC 100 is expected to get well over 1 million viewers on PPV and their TV shows are widely watched. While I'll grant you MMA won't threaten the big 3 sports any time soon, it can be more than a niche sport, much like boxing was from Ali to Tyson. The key will be the heavyweight division, can Brock Lesnar or Frank Mir be THE star to catapult UFC into the mainstream?
Mr. Yoder I - And therein lies one of the problems. As soon as Chuck Liddell, Rampage Jackson, or Tito Ortiz hit it big they get their face mashed like silly putty. There is no longevity for MMAers to become household names, it's the nature of the beast. Even if these guys do have a long period of success the spectacle of the fight is the story, not them. MMA will never grow beyond the fanbase of fight lovers like golf has with Tiger Woods. Do you think Joe Public would recognize former great welterweight Matt Hughes on the street if he didn't have a sign that said, "Hi! I'm Matt Hughes all-time great MMA fighter"?
Mr. Yoder II- But Y1, look at how far the UFC has come even in just the past couple years. Would you have guessed 5 years ago that UFC 100 would be a major story on ESPN.com or the lead on SportsCenter? You've gotta give Dana White (right), the mastermind owner/promoter of the UFC, his due. If he can can stay out of the headlines for the wrong reasons, he has the potential to make stars out of the likes of Brock Lesnar. If UFC 100 can have a legendary fight tonight, perhaps that lets Dana White and the UFC get both feet in the door of the mainstream sports media.
Mr. Yoder II - White is another problem. He has this Vince McMahon/WWF quality that he wants to be the star of the show and rule MMA. Job well done thus far Dana, but MMA is at its peak. White's edgy style and profanity-laced tirades might appeal to the rebellious crowd that already loves him, but he isn't getting MMA to the mainstream. MMA's brutality and the lack of breakthrough moments or stars will inhibit it from moving beyond a niche sport. 5 years from now will we remember UFC 100 from UFC 62 or UFC 237? Will Georges St. Pierre be as big as Tom Brady? And just where is Kimbo Slice?
Mr. Yoder I- We all know there's no way GSP will ever be as big as Tom Brady. And remember, the Kimbo Slice flop happened outside of White/UFC. I think this is a watershed moment tonight for MMA. If UFC can come out with some stars to push, maybe they can say they've finally made it. But just remember, whether its boxing or MMA, there will always be an outlet for people to watch two guys square off to see who is the better man, it's just human nature.
