Should non-English fighters be expected to practice improving their English speaking?

[Haggis McJackass]

In order to better connect with the majority of the fanbase?

Personally, I look at guys like JDS and Machida, who started off with very poor command of English, and I respect them a lot when they develop the confidence and courage to take the mic and speak to the crowd in English after they fight.

On the other hand, it annoys me that Anderson has been the champion for 47 years and still apparently can't speak English worth a damn.

Obviously it's not a requirement, but to me, if you're serious about competing at the top levels of the UFC and you intend to hang around for a few years, you should make the effort to learn a basic level of English IMO.

Not only as a mark of respect to your employer and to the English-speaking fans, but also to broaden your fan base and therefore get more visibility, more marketability and earn more $$$.

I think that a big part of the reason that Anderson isn't a superstar is because after all this time, he basically can't communicate with non-Portugese speakers at all.

Whereas a guy like Junior or Machida, he shows respect to the fans and to his employer by being willing to learn and work on his English.

Any thoughts? While it obviously should never be a REQUIREMENT to fight in the UFC, learning English should be something every high-level fighter should put some effort into doing IMO. Surely it makes it easier to connect with fans, easier to deal with being employed by an American promotion, easier to promote your fights, and just generally better for your career.

[monaroCountry]

Nope, cant expect an international fighter to learn english. Afterall, American fighters were never expected to learn Japanese during Pride.

[Primate]

Depends how much money they plan to make and which markets they intend to break into.

The US market is inarguably the biggest and most profitable, so if they want their piece of that pie then yes, speaking english would definitely be a good idea.

[Beouche]

Anderson can talk in English. He just decides not to

You should call him out on it Haggis

[Popkins]

No. You can't force anyone to do things they don't want to do, outwith the rules of the sport. Stupid idea/thread. If they want to make more money, they learn English, but if they're not interested then the organization obviously cannot make them, that's a crazy abuse of their rights.

[Haggis McJackass]

Originally Posted by Popkins

No. You can't force anyone to do things they don't want to do, outwith the rules of the sport. Stupid idea/thread. If they want to make more money, they learn English, but if they're not interested then the organization obviously cannot make them, that's a crazy abuse of their rights.

"Obviously it's not a requirement"

"it obviously should never be a REQUIREMENT to fight in the UFC"

"you should make the effort to learn a basic level of English IMO."

"learning English should be something every high-level fighter should put some effort into doing IMO"



Do I need to be even more clear to make sure that you don't completely miss the point of the post?

[Beouche]

Yeah Popkins is right. You shouldnt force them to do anything. Bit of a little Hilter aint you Haggis

[Atlanta]

No

[Bigg Panch]

Yes
Fuck these foreigners
You wanna work here then learn the fuckin language!

[Ne5ville14]

Nop...

[GlassJawAnalyst]

Most of them try, it isn't that easy to learn a new language when you are older.

[greathamza]

Cant make people do stuff

[achillesthegreat]

Not expected but it would do them alot of favours.

[Lynchburg]

Yeah they should!

When Chuck, Rampage, The Monster, Coleman all competed in Japan they were spitting Japanese for fun. Them non English speaking mother fuckers need to step up game and show some fucking respect!!!

Lynchburg

[Matt Ldn]

Originally Posted by achillesthegreat

Not expected but it would do them alot of favours.

This, Its also pretty hard and some people struggle more than others.