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

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. :conf

:hat

 

"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? :huh

:hat