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Originally Posted by Flash Walken
Just because I want to watch it doesn't mean I don't think that all the proper measures should be taken that ensures profitability to the area as well as safety of the performers.
I think he raises a great point about the Bisping fight. The integrity of the sport depends on not having things like that happen, no matter the 'fan appeal'. I don't think Dana White understands this.
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You are absolutely right when talking about the safety of these fighters. These fighters are providing a service (as all employees do) to their contractor, and as a contractor there should always be rules and regulations in place to ensure their safety. It's no different than boxing, hockey, oilfield personal, health care, etc.
But if you look hard enough, you are always going to find cracks in the sidewalk that are bound to carry more media attention then the previous 100 fights that went fluently. It's life. It's the media looking for these stories that will draw ire from its listeners/readers as it seems society is always looking something to jump onto and support that has a negative spin to it. Heck, we are still battling on whether or not fighting should be permitted in hockey, why shouldn't the UFC be under scrutiny too?
Yet the UFC has come along way since its first fight. From marketing, to fighting quality to the commissioning board that come along with it. I have no problems with what they are providing as far as a viewership package goes. UFC sells to its followers and there is no denying it. People are for it, people are against it. There isn't one instance I can think of that isn't like that in the public eye. The Henderson/Bisping incident was a black eye for the UFC, and rightfully so. But so was Marty McSorley, Donald Brashier, Chris Pronger's "foot gate". Boxers in the ring have died post-fight.
I hear what you are saying Flash, but I just think that if you look hard enough in any facet of pro sports or the working industry, there are black eyes to be found. And while the integrity of the sport does depend on situations such as these, the show will go on as we all know.