EDITOR’S NOTE: We are pleased to welcome Adam Kronengold as a contributor to MMAPayout.com. Adam is currently pursuing his BA in Hotel Administration at Cornell University. In the past he was an intern for the International Fight League and a contributor to its website.
The Ultimate Fighting Championship has ignited and perpetuated the development of Mixed Martial Arts; this is a fact. With the tremendous success of the UFC and the acquisition of countless world class fighters, the qualities and stereotypes that define a true champion are becoming blurred. By comparing the landscapes of the middleweight and light heavyweight divisions, we see sharp differences that hold implications for the future of the UFC.
One can make an argument that MMA fans crave structure and yearn to establish an unbeatable champion. Anderson Silva has become an object of fascination amongst the MMA community. As Silva’s stronghold on the middleweight division grows more and more apparent, the landscape of the division becomes clearer. Silva rules his kingdom of clearly defined contenders and gatekeepers. In fact, Silva has ruled his division so ruthlessly that top contender and two-time victim of the Brazilian, Rich Franklin, chose to pursue opportunities in the light heavyweight division. Despite “The Spider’s” habit of finishing fights in devastating fashion, he lacks the ability to draw huge pay per view numbers. While he is praised in forums and admired internationally, Silva’s reign as champion has proven to lack real drawing power.
Are fans of the world’s fastest growing sport so confident in Anderson Silva that they don’t even bother ordering his fights? While this is a possibility, the seemingly fickle light heavyweight division provides us with an interesting comparison.
As the light heavyweight division grows saturated with talent, the “certainties” that many hardcore fans hold so dearly become obsolete. The days of Tito Ortiz pummeling overmatched opponents are long gone. In reality, with all of the world class talent that has been injected into the UFC over the years, title matches are turning into crapshoots. Any contender in the light heavyweight division is capable of dethroning the champion on a given day. This lack of differentiation in talent of champion and contender results in severe instability in the light heavyweight division. Newly crowned light heavyweight champion Rashad Evans will likely face the winner of Lyoto Machida vs. Thiago Silva, each of whom is capable of trumping the champ.
While quick turnovers of titles can add an excitement factor, it may also devalue the coveted belt in the eyes of fans. Although this is speculation, with such evenly matched opponents in the light heavyweight division, the title can change hands each time it is battled for. Will fans embrace the parity of the division or will the frequent title exchanges diminish the significance of the belt?
The landscapes of both prominent weight classes will undoubtedly affect managerial decisions in the upcoming year. Will the UFC hand pick opponents to establish stability in the light heavyweight division, or will they search for a stylistic nightmare to combat Silva?
At the end of the day, the fans will help the UFC determine which scenario is most beneficial: A dominant King controlling his kingdom, or a volatile empire of uprisings and insurgencies.