Originally Posted by Drewplata

I think it is important to discern between the UFC and MMA. On its current course, the UFC seems vulnerable when you consider its Macchiavelian president/dictator and the fact that new promotions are popping up and signing network TV deals. It may not be EliteXC or Mark Cuban that finally breaks the UFC's back, but it seems that, once it is demonstrated that promoting MMA competition can be a profitable pursuit, someone will.

Imagine, if you will, an MMA landscape in which the best fighters in the world can compete with each other without the contractual disasters we now see. A sport in which fights are sanctioned by an MMA-specific sanctioning body and belts are unified. That world would only be possible if the current UFC policy of forcing their fighters into non-compete style contracts ends; and that will only come when the UFC is absolutely forced to change its ways.

In brief, the long-term future looks bright for MMA worldwide. But let us not conflate the UFC with MMA. We, as fans, must broaden our horizons and force the UFC to do the same.