Monopoly versus Competition

Written by: InfiniteX

Monday, July 14, 2008, 22:17

This news item was posted in General MMA category and has 0 Comments so far.

There has been a lot of buzz recently with the “success” of Elite XC and Strikeforce and the hype surrounding Affliction. Is it good for the sport?

On the surface, competition is always a good idea. In this sport, competition will allow there to be major and minor leagues and challenge promoters to bring us better fights.

I think in the end its only going to create more challenges for fans. As I re-watch Pride fights from months and years past, I continue finding myself wondering why anyone thought these fighters were the best in the world. (Don’t get me wrong I’ve said this plenty watching UFC fights too.) Shogun, Minotoro, Cro Cop, Wanderlei Silva, Sokoudjou we have all been disappointed by their fights when they came to the UFC and fought what should have been easy but challenging fights.

I would venture to say, I have even been disappointed by Fedor’s fights inside the ring. Who has he fought that we are really ready to vouch for and say Wow he’s the best?

Don’t think for a second it has anything to do with being in a ring or cage or octagon. It has more to do with competition. Have you ever been disappointed? Tito and Matt Hughes for example all end up losing when champions are imported to face them.

The reality is, as long as we keep champions separate we will never know who is a champ and who is a chump (at the very least watered-down-champs).

While only time will tell, the proof will be a fight between The Last Emperor and The Natural. Fedor would stand nothing more than a punchers chance again Randy. He is better shape, he is stronger, quicker and faster but will we ever know?

As you prepare to watch Affliction this weekend. Watch the countdown. Watch all the hype and see if the fighters live up to it. Do they actually fight as like they should? Are they as good, or are they propped up because of weaker opponents?

In the long term the need will exist to unify any and all created belts.