MMA Promoters: Never Go Three Title Fights

Last week, I had a conversation with a friend about how I think it was a bad idea for the UFC to use two title fights on a card, where they're trying to impress the new audience of Abu Dhabi.

Five-round fights can be an epic event, but when there are two back-to-back, and they both go the distance, it can be a little draining for the new fan. Better to build up to that kind of match with a variety of exciting three-round fights.

Now, I know this sport should watch how much it panders to the lowest common denominator. It truly is draining some of the essence of what makes this sport beautiful. If a 25-minute grappling match is how to decide who is the best, then so be it.

However, when one single event is seen as an opportunity to see the sport grow and cement its place in our culture, then that event should be designed to display the most attention grabbing aspects of the sport.

Last night's Strikeforce show on CBS one upped the UFC's recent event, and featured a whopping three title fights. I will spare you the criticism I'm sure you will be forced to read numerous times today, but I will say that the show was a bit of a dud. While I and many hardcore fans were totally entertained (me having money on every fight certainly helped my attention span), the performance's of some of their biggest stars led to three drawn out 25-minute grappling matches.

It was a bit much for a new viewer of the sport to take in.

While I watched the main event, I joked with my friend about the 2008 comedy Tropic Thunder when Robert Downey Jr.'s character advises fellow actor, Ben Stiller, to "never go full retard," as it can ruin an actors career.

Well, I think last night taught all-aspiring and present MMA promoters a golden rule: never go three title fights.