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Monday, Jun 17, 2013

Opinion: MMA Fans Lose After UFC 161

UFC 161 headliner Rashad Evans

By Michael Hatamoto

UFC 161 certainly wasn’t the most exciting fight card and one that will be talked about years from now, but it did provide some valuable insight towards future fights.

Honestly, I don’t like saying that a fight card was lackluster – but if the UFC wants to continually attract new fans – simply trying to fill fight cards, especially pay-per-view cards, isn’t going to help in the long run.

It will be curious to see how UFC 161 did among paying PPV buyers, as the event largely was a dud – and MMA fans voiced their frustrations.

To be fair, I think it was great to see Evans prove he still is relevant in the light heavyweight division, and watching Stipe Miocic completely outclass Roy Nelson was special. Nelson clearly looked winded and out of shape, serving as a late replacement, he was still expected to knock Miocic’s head into the second row of the stands.

Many folks didn’t expect much from Tyron Woodley vs. Jake Shields, but it was surprising Woodley showed very little urgency through the first two rounds. It was an ugly fight that Shields rightfully was awarded a decision, and showed he still can grind out fights.

Unfortunately, White doesn’t take kindly when MMA fans or journalists criticize his events publicly, though I am sure there will be a discussion internally among UFC brass.

posted by FCF Staff @ 3:51 pm
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