Are 'boring' UFC fights killing the excitement? It's a question that's been buzzing around the MMA world, and it's something the co-creator of the UFC, Campbell McLaren, is keenly aware of. The very nature of sports means every match won't be a highlight reel, but when the action slows, it can impact fan engagement.
Recently, some high-profile UFC bouts haven't delivered the thrilling experience fans crave. UFC 322, for instance, showcased dominant performances from Islam Makhachev and Valentina Shevchenko. While these victories were impressive, they may not have been the most captivating to watch.
But here's where it gets controversial... McLaren, in a candid interview, shared his insights on the issue and revealed how he aims to keep things exciting in his own promotion, Combate Global. He highlights that in the early days of UFC, the aim was to see which martial art would reign supreme. However, in recent years, wrestling has often taken center stage, sometimes leading to matches that don't quite meet expectations.
"I think fights can be boring, and I think Dana [White] is very much aware of that," McLaren stated. "He doesn’t want boring fights, and what is a boring fight? To an extent, it’s stalling on the ground or standing up, not engaging."
Mclaren's strategy involves proactive communication with the commission, particularly focusing on the likelihood of stalling when fights go to the ground. He wants to ensure that the focus remains on action.
And this is the part most people miss... McLaren recognized that while the UFC is successful, there's room for other promotions to thrive by doing things differently. He noticed a gap in representation from certain regions, leading him to focus Combate Global on signing exciting fighters from those areas.
What do you think? Does the UFC need to take a page out of McLaren's book to prevent stalling and ensure more exciting fights? Share your thoughts in the comments below! Do you agree or disagree with McLaren's approach? Let's discuss!
