The UFC has been around since 1993.
Since the introduction of MMA it has evolved every year, especially in recent years.
The UFC has many advantages over newer competitors -
Existing brand, the UFC brand is huge alone in the US, let alone the cult like following in Canada and now has a huge influence in Britain and Ireland. UFC is the second “fighting” based organisation behind pro wrestling in the world.
Better fighters, I would say best fighters but there are a few select fighters like Fedor in rival organisation Strikeforce. Unfortunately for most UFC can boast BJ Penn, GSP, Anderson Silva, five top light heavyweights including Lyoto Machida, Rashad Evans and Shogun Rua. Five of the six top heavyweights in MMA.
Bigger budgets, many people discount the fact the UFC have the budget for promotion including international advertising, sold out international cards and most important the money to pay the top fighters the best wages available. Bar Fedor which will bankrupt Strikeforce the UFC openly pay the best wages and fight bonuses. Just ask Dan Henderson how good they are at negotiating contracts.
Successful audiences in vital demographics, the UFC has basically created a niche for MMA, as previously suggested they have wrapped up America, ensuring their huge part in gaining licences to be granted in 46 states. They have also wrapped up the international market already hosting events in UK, Ireland, regular events in Canada, new successful venture into Sydney, Australia and soon to hit Abu Dhabi.
Mainstream and PPV viewers, consider this, what other than boxing and WWE can boast both mainstream success and pay per view success. Spike, Versus, paid for online streaming via Yahoo and ESPN, Virgin 1 and channel 5 in UK. With boxing in decline and many fans transfering to MMA it won’t be long before boxing looks up to the UFC.
Dana White and Joe Silva – think what you like about Dana White but the guy has almost single handily pushed UFC into every country and majority of US households since he and Zuffa took over the UFC back in
Joe Silva is the match and fighter man, he arranges the fights and is the protagonist in gaining figures and ensuring the best fight cards available. He also is like a scout in football/soccer where he watches fighters and choices them for the UFC.
Without the pair the UFC maybe struggling to keep fighters and fans happy.
Many people suggest the UFC need competition, I for one suggest they is a requirement but what do can other organisations do to challenge?
Start with mid range fighters, unless they receive huge financial backing they won’t be able to attract top fighters, Henderson might have picked Strikeforce but that’s because he wants to be number one and automatically gets a title shot and wanted a huge contract, both in the minds of many fans and UFC were too ambitious.
Attract the top fighters from abroad, maybe target DREAM fighters, the problem is UFC is such a stacked organisation many Asian fighters struggle to make the grade in the UFC as the size and training is more intense.
Get the up and coming Brazilian fighters, simple if MMA was at the next Olympics my honest opinion would be they would probably win the golds!
Go out and attack wrestling fans, piggy back of events.
Danny Denhard