More and more UFC fights seem to go the distance. Is it because they are paralised by the fear of losing and getting dropped from the org? I guess the UFC, rightly or wrongly, is THE premiere MMA Org (at the moment, SF could well have something to say about that in a couple of years) and I think UFC fighters on the whole are becoming more risk adverse as fighting on a lesser orgs books if they were to lose and get dropped would be a massive comedown for them. Specifically it seems to be the eliminators for title shots that are usually the most boring. Guys with nothing to lose fight well and are agressive then when they get to the reckoning for a title fight they seem to get all conservative. I know there are other factors for example the UFC does usually put on well matched fights so that could be something to do with it, but I think the size and gravitas of the UFC is actually damaging it's own product in a funny sort of way. *Obviously I meant 'UFC Mentality'
I thought this was going to be a thread about Bisping's knee when I the title of the thread. I don't think this "mentality" is just unique to the UFC. I think that mma is developing situational guidelines as far as strategies are concerned, much like any other sport. In basketball, there is time to start fouling. In American Football, there are situations that almost guarantee whether the play will be a run or a pass. That's why it's refreshing to see someone fight like Ebersole did last night. Sure, that fight went the distance. But Ebersole gambled from time to time, and he landed a knee that almost ended things.
I think they are just high level elite operators mixing it up so it can appear like that. However, most of the UFC is geared towards having a fight.
So basically fighters getting more defensively adept is UFC exclusive and the finishes you see like Duffee v Reem in DREAM & the SF org are because fighters take more risks and have nothing to do with being mismatches?
Wasn't comparing it with SF. I was thinking about in comparison the older UFC cards. And I'm not talking about better defence either, it is an unwillingnes to engage that I think is slightly creeping in. To be fair two fighters in 3 or 5, 5 min round in those small gloves with kicks, knees and elbows all allowed never mind the subs it's quite surprising that many fights go the distance really. Like I say if two guys are at the top level bobbing, weaving and blocking strikes then that is due to good matchups/improved skills but I see more and more fights that are guys on the outside feining for 75% of the round. It just looks like so much is at stake neither dare commit for fear of being countered. I mean in comparison the SF HW torney is as well matched as anything and I can't see many of those fights going the distance, I know Fedore fight was stopped by the doctor but Bigfoot looked like he would have pressed fro the stoppage rather than say waht GSP did against Kos. Anyway I did say in the OP it it was something that I just THOUGHT I might be noticing, that's why it's phrased as a question rather than a statement of fact. But UFC cards are getting more boring on the whole. You obviously get flashes of great action (like the Silva KO kick) but more and more decisions can't be good for the sport.
You do have a fair point I guess fella. I guess people are a bit worried about the stick (getting cut) they forget about the carrot (KO SUB FOTN bonus) There's more at stake
Perhaps the fear of losing has overtaken the desire to win. The average luddite UFC fan who seems to boo everything by default and refers to fighters as 'pussies' every time they get KO'd or tap probably doesn't help, and that's just Dana.
Ain't nothing but a thing brah. Circles and roundabouts! When we have close fights everyone kicks off that neither could finish and when we get a first round Kayo or sub everyone kicks off about it being a crazy mismatch... There will be an element of ring shock at that level as it is the top level. I would love to see SF catch up to compete but it's run by clowns and monkeys. They have no TV deal in the UK and most places around the globe making their brand unsellable worldwide. Also they don't put on enough shows... or make their fighters defend their belts... Lynchburg
Winning fights is important and MMA fighting textbook is getting more developed. It's not just a spectacle and a plastic belt these days.