Kimbo Slice and the UFC

T-Bone · 02-15-2008, 09:21 AM

MMA Madness™ - MMA Insight™ News - Weekend Insight: Kimbo Slice and the UFC

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There is always a love/hate relationship with a quarterback who throws more interceptions than touchdowns, especially if that QB’s Hail Marys are miraculous. But eventually those interceptions—no matter how insignificant—outshine the big plays. That is the quandary Dana White finds himself in as he helms MMA’s prime organization.

The vocal and vulgar UFC President recently buried Kevin Ferguson, the bearded street brawler turned mixed martial artist the world knows as Kimbo Slice. White claimed the Bas Rutten-trained fighter would get hurt “real bad” in the UFC because he lost to Sean Gannon and Gannon was wrecked in his lone UFC appearance. While deduction is a powerful tool, MMA has proved that logic irrelevant.

But the real problem with White’s statement is why would the most prominent promoter in fighting discredit an up and coming star? The answer: Kimbo Slice is not his star.

Dana White, as a promoter, must tout his competition as inferior. But if fans have learned anything in their tenure as mixed martial arts enthusiasts, it’s that the field conditions are never the same.

When Dana White guaranteed he would sign Fedor Emelianenko because he is the best in the world, both at heavyweight and pound for pound, and then started to call him a farce, it makes the UFC and MMA look amateur. It also highlights the UFC’s failure to acquire the best in the world in the worst of ways—by negating their previous statements with save-face assertions. Dana White has the marketing team to validate his quick judgments and further damage the questionable memory of fight fans. This hurts the sport because it dilutes the talent—whether it be perceptive or in reality.

There is a massive fundamental flaw in speaking out against fighters, whether or not they are working for a competitor—promoters are in the business of making fighters look good. So when Dana White exhausted descriptive ways to say Wanderlei Silva was not worthy of the UFC and needed some wins, it made his glee-laden camera-crew contract signing puzzling. Why would the UFC President have a steak-eatin’ grin like that when acquiring a fighter that was “beaten to death” in his last outings? Factor in “The Axe Murderer” took it to Chuck Liddell for three rounds in a losing yet valiant effort, garnering Fight of the Night, and what are fans supposed to conclude?

In professional boxing, Oscar De La Hoya is not going to lambaste Ricky Hatton simply because the Brit is not on his Golden Boy promotions. That is because there is an elemental difference: boxing promoters are willing to work together.

Since the UFC is MMA’s dominant brand, it is understandable that they would not want to work with other organizations. However, it makes no sense when they downplay the quality of other fighters since it hurts the sport and can come back to haunt the UFC. But the most troubling thought is that Dana White has gone on record burying his own fighters. Tito Ortiz has been one of the company’s biggest draws for more time than the former manager has been with the organization. Calling into question his abilities as a top-level fighter challenges the notion UFC features topflight combat. And if the UFC is damages the reputation of its own fighters, who is safe from ridicule?

The answer: the organization itself. The UFC is promoting its brand over its fighters. It disgruntles employees and situations like Randy Couture and Fedor Emelianenko emerge. When a host of MMA legends like the aforementioned and Tito Ortiz, Pat Miletich, Frank Shamrock, and Ken Shamrock cite disrespect for their current attitude towards the UFC, it holds weight. It is proof there is no such thing as an organizational fighter since fighters must watch out for their best interest and that does not always align with that of the UFC. It is a push-pull relationship that can be mitigated through co-promotion or simply, professionalism.

If an organization takes care of its employees, loyalty will follow (ala Ken Shamrock and Tito Ortiz voicing their desire to remain with the company through retirement). But fighters ultimately are the attraction. And if a promoter does nothing positive for the fighters, the link that brings fans elite competition is severed.

What is said about a fighter cannot be undone. Kimbo Slice, among others, has suffered an unfortunate wound for not being a company man. Despite receiving a glowing endorsement from Rutten, White insists the UFC is above a spectacle like Slice even though Sean Gannon was awarded a crack at the big show based on his internet foray.

Dana White, like a true Bostonian, has a strong personality that is larger than the Octagon. It is entertaining. A man in his position needs a high level of savvy. He was and is integral in defining the sport. But it seems he is becoming careless with its future when acting as its fierce protector. It is a paradox of cultivating and cutting down—beneficial to an organization, and therefore the sport, but damaging to fighters, thus devaluing the sport and those that comprise it.

Dana White just needs to remember that a quarterback is a reflection of his team.

basslogic4003 · 02-15-2008, 01:02 PM

Great article, thanks for posting! I agree with pretty much everything said. I've tried so hard to not get caught up in the Dana-hate going around, but it really is difficult given the circumstances.

T-Bone · 02-15-2008, 01:06 PM

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Originally Posted by basslogic4003

Great article, thanks for posting! I agree with pretty much everything said. I've tried so hard to not get caught up in the Dana-hate going around, but it really is difficult given the circumstances.

I'm not so sure it's Dana-hate...it's calling him out b/c he's so transparent.

basslogic4003 · 02-15-2008, 01:11 PM

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Originally Posted by T-Bone

I'm not so sure it's Dana-hate...it's calling him out b/c he's so transparent.

Very true...it's not like it's indiscriminate hatred. He really is going off the deep end. I can't even listen to him speak at all anymore.

StratTone · 02-15-2008, 01:39 PM

I still love the guy. I can't stand candy coated words. If he is upset because someone didn't sign with him then at least we know from his mouth one way or another that he isn't happy about it. I hope he never changes.

FrankenJim · 02-15-2008, 04:43 PM

Dana Speaks his mind, To me thats good i like him for that, But some times he does things i dont argee withj, But as he said you CANNOT make everybody happy.

BCguy · 02-15-2008, 08:27 PM

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Originally Posted by StratTone

I still love the guy. I can't stand candy coated words. If he is upset because someone didn't sign with him then at least we know from his mouth one way or another that he isn't happy about it. I hope he never changes.

It would be different if Dana was to say ... "so and so didnt sign with us and im very upset about it" rather than ..... claiming a certain fighter is a beast and they are trying to get him to sign. Then slandering the fighters good name and saying that fighter sucks. If the fighter sucked so badly why are you trying to sign them ? It's like asking a girl on a date and when says no you call her an ugly slut. Childish.

basslogic4003 · 02-15-2008, 08:36 PM

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Originally Posted by BCguy

It would be different if Dana was to say ... "so and so didnt sign with us and im very upset about it" rather than ..... claiming a certain fighter is a beast and they are trying to get him to sign. Then slandering the fighters good name and saying that fighter sucks. If the fighter sucked so badly why are you trying to sign them ? It's like asking a girl on a date and when says no you call her an ugly slut. Childish.

Agreed. Childish is the first word that comes to mind.

OneBigThrow · 02-15-2008, 08:52 PM

yea this isnt about someone speaking their mind and "sugar coating" at all

its actually quite the opposite of being bold and opinionated, its backpedalling and flip flopping

dsver1 · 02-15-2008, 09:01 PM

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Originally Posted by BCguy

It would be different if Dana was to say ... "so and so didnt sign with us and im very upset about it" rather than ..... claiming a certain fighter is a beast and they are trying to get him to sign. Then slandering the fighters good name and saying that fighter sucks. If the fighter sucked so badly why are you trying to sign them ? It's like asking a girl on a date and when says no you call her an ugly slut. Childish.

EXACTLY!

Dana White = King of Sour Grapes

Dana White wants every UFC fan to have blinders on. If it isn't in the UFC, then it doesn't exist. Sure, you can claim that that's a very savvy business tactic, but it's not grounded in reality! Trying to be number one and trying to be the only one are two very different things. The latter is dangerous when a sport is so young and so dependent on individuals. The UFC needs competition to thrive.

White should have confidence in his brand, but not slag anyone that doesn't join. If he wants to prove that the UFC is the best, then he should break down the barriers between certain orgs. Cross promotion works when you are already an established organization. And of course, actions speak louder than words, IMO.

the_natural · 02-15-2008, 09:28 PM

I hate all the Dana-bashing. Dana White = THE reason why UFC and MMA is so popular today, and probably the reason why a lot of you are even into the sport. Noone's perfect, and that certainly goes for Dana too. His comments are sometimes strange, and not the kind of thing you expect to come from the president of a large organization, but so what? He's has made the sport I love into something huge, and somethibg that we can all watch and talk about on at least a once a month basis. Anyone who talks **** like 'Dana is a bad businessman' etc. is plain dumb IMO. I agree with Strattone, he's fine the way he is.

basslogic4003 · 02-15-2008, 10:21 PM

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Originally Posted by the_natural

I hate all the Dana-bashing. Dana White = THE reason why UFC and MMA is so popular today, and probably the reason why a lot of you are even into the sport. Noone's perfect, and that certainly goes for Dana too. His comments are sometimes strange, and not the kind of thing you expect to come from the president of a large organization, but so what? He's has made the sport I love into something huge, and somethibg that we can all watch and talk about on at least a once a month basis. Anyone who talks **** like 'Dana is a bad businessman' etc. is plain dumb IMO. I agree with Strattone, he's fine the way he is.

It's not **** talking, it's the logical conclusion when someone says the things he says. When you tout a fighter as the best in the world, then when you can't sign him you call him a joke, it's childish. I'm not sure if there's room for argument there.

DefendingChamp · 02-16-2008, 03:56 AM

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Originally Posted by dsver1

Trying to be number one and trying to be the only one are two very different things.

Well Put - That's exactly what Dana wants, to be the only one.

MTKrav911 · 02-16-2008, 12:22 PM

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Originally Posted by T-Bone

MMA Madness™ - MMA Insight™ News - Weekend Insight: Kimbo Slice and the UFC

I agree with everything in that article except the part where it says The UFC has failed to attain the best fighters in the world.

I dont know what UFC that writer is watching, but The UFC HAS ALL the best fighters in the world right now.

That Fedor is the best is a non-argument since Fedor hasnt fought in The UFC and we've seen already what "The Best" like Cro Cop, etc have done in teh UFC.

Or not done I should say.

rdowney19 · 02-17-2008, 12:36 AM

dana needs to realize that sometimes competition is healthy for growth, coke pepsi, mc d's bk, ford chevy, etc etc etc

Gooner · 02-17-2008, 01:14 AM

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Originally Posted by MTKrav911

I agree with everything in that article except the part where it says The UFC has failed to attain the best fighters in the world.

I dont know what UFC that writer is watching, but The UFC HAS ALL the best fighters in the world right now.

That Fedor is the best is a non-argument since Fedor hasnt fought in The UFC and we've seen already what "The Best" like Cro Cop, etc have done in teh UFC.

Or not done I should say.

LMFAO! That's flawless logic right there.

A) UFC has all the best fighters
B) Fedor is not in the UFC
Therefore, Fedor is not the best.

And even if you would think that Fedor is the only one missing, and UFC has all the best fighters besides him, I gotta say, your MMA knowledge needs some improvement.
Yes, UFC has the most top talent. Easily.
UFC has "all the best fighters"? Don't be ridiculous.

Jamal · 02-17-2008, 06:41 AM

LOL im sure theres dudes that arent even signed that could knock the living **** outta half the UFC.. just because they aint fighting in the UFC dont mean nothing.

Theres regular dudes on the street that can punch the **** outta some of these guys man.

Mickey Finn · 02-17-2008, 07:56 AM

id be surprised if you dont get banned pretty soon

the_natural · 02-17-2008, 08:16 AM

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Originally Posted by basslogic4003

It's not **** talking, it's the logical conclusion when someone says the things he says. When you tout a fighter as the best in the world, then when you can't sign him you call him a joke, it's childish. I'm not sure if there's room for argument there.

Umm, I never said that DAana isn't childish. My argument was how good a businessman he is. Thats the 'logical conclusion', and theres plenty of room for argument there.

JoeRoganismyhero · 02-17-2008, 08:44 AM

I love when he said he is above signing a spectacle like Kimbo Slice, but he signed Brock Lesnar, just because of the spectacle and hype Brock would bring!

I guess Dana doesn't let the truth get in the way of a good story!