The world of MMA is abuzz with talk of the upcoming UFC White House event, and the initial reaction has been less than stellar. From outright hostility to general apathy, the card has failed to meet the high expectations set by the UFC. So, how can we turn this around and make it a memorable night?
The Challenge of Saving the White House Card
Personally, I think it's a tough ask to completely overhaul the lineup at this stage. We're limited in our options, and trying to rejigger the entire card would be a silly move. However, there are a few strategic changes we can make to inject some excitement into the event.
A New Main Event
One of the biggest issues with the current card is the co-main event, which lacks the star power and intrigue that fans crave. My suggestion? Let's bring in Jon Jones, the greatest light heavyweight of all time, to face off against Alex Pereira, the most spectacular fighter of this generation. This fight, for the (made-up) GOAT belt, would be a true spectacle and a fitting main event. It would also bump the current co-main event to a more appropriate position.
Adding Some Juice
To further enhance the card, we need to consider the lack of future stars on the lineup. Bo Nickal, while talented, is 30 and may not climb as high as expected. So, why not bring in Olympic gold medalist Gable Steveson and sign him to the UFC? We can pit him against Derrick Lewis, Donald Trump's favorite fighter, and create an intriguing matchup. This addition would certainly add some fuel to the fire.
An Unexpected Twist
With seven fights already on the card, we might be tempted to stop there. But I believe we can round things out with an eighth fight that will truly surprise and delight fans. Instead of the suggested Jorge Masvidal vs. Leon Edwards, I propose something truly revolutionary: Dana White vs. Eddie Hearn in a boxing match inside the cage. This unexpected twist would undoubtedly generate buzz and make UFC White House an event like no other.
Beyond the White House Card
The BMF belt has been a topic of discussion, with some fans questioning Charles Oliveira's game plan against Max Holloway. While I understand the criticism, it's important to note that Oliveira's dominance, despite landing only 50 significant strikes, was impressive. However, it's a fine line between control and an exciting fight, and Oliveira's approach may have impacted the BMF belt's appeal.
MMA Scoring and Judging
The scoring of MMA fights is a complex issue, and the reluctance of judges to award 10-8 rounds is a point of contention. The new rules, which emphasize damage and domination, have added a layer of complexity. While I agree that damage should be a priority, the idea that dominance alone isn't meritorious is a flawed perspective. A fighter with back control for four minutes should not be scored the same as a competitive round on the feet. It's a delicate balance, and one that MMA judges are struggling to navigate.
The Future of MVP MMA
The Ronda Rousey vs. Gina Carano card on Netflix is expected to be a massive success, and it will likely be the most-watched MMA fight in history. MVP/Netflix will undoubtedly capitalize on this success and put together another big card, but the question is, when? It will depend on the talent they can secure. MVP has shown that they won't settle for nonsense cards, and they'll only bring fights to Netflix that merit a full-court press. Potential matchups like Francis Ngannou vs. Rico Verhoeven or Nate Diaz vs. Jake Paul could be in the works, but MVP is unlikely to become a full-fledged MMA promotion.
Walkout Songs and MMA Culture
Finally, a fun question: what would be your walkout song for an MMA fight? My choice would be Twist and Shout by The Beatles. It's a perfect fit for the energy of an MMA fight, and it would create an electric atmosphere in the arena. For my backup, I'd go with Shout by the Isley Brothers. MMA is full of unique personalities, and the walkout song is a chance to showcase that. So, let's hear it, who would you choose, and why?
