Five Points: A Plan to Create Stars in the UFC: The Rivalries (Part 5 of 5)

By Michael Ford

Rivalries and feuds are important for cementing stardom, and illuminating aspects of stars' personalities. The following potential feuds would be particularly effective at performing these roles for the new stars that the UFC hopes to develop in the coming year.

The first piece in this series focused on the characteristics of the next big UFC stars, while the second concentrated on the process that can make them. The third and fourth pieces identified candidates for stardom, either as heroes or heels. This piece focuses on the potential feuds by which these new stars could be defined.

Pro sports are built on rivalries. Rivalries in team sports can span decades, or engender bad blood based on only a handful of hard-fought battles. And while rivalries between star players are often creations of the media, there still remains a fierce competitive spirit that can often become personal as the stakes of each battle become raised, not just for the teams involved, but for the respective legacies of those players. In individual sports, however, the rivalry between athletes is more distilled, because they are competing directly against one another, without teammates to muddy up the analysis of who the better man (or woman) is, and where they belong in relationship to one another.

Combat sports, however, take it one step further. Fighters are not just attempting to outperform each other, they're trying to hurt one another as they assert their dominance. A knockout is one of the clearest and unambiguous expressions of dominance, and legacies are made when two combatants attempt to put each other's lights out, or break each other's spirits. Of course, when the stakes also include real interpersonal conflict, and the sense that the individuals themselves would taste sweeter victory or more bitter defeat against a hated rival, these battles take on even greater significance.

The best feuds are such because of what they reveal about the people involved. Whether it's their faults, flaws, or foibles, or their merits, strengths, or virtues, when cast against a worthy foil, individuals often find their defining characteristics illuminated. And thus as the UFC seeks to elevate its stars, it too needs to set them against worthy foils. These feuds would allow fans to gain insight into the personalities of these men, and help cast a narrative that could unfold inside the Octagon, as well as afterward.

1. Jon Jones vs. Rashad Evans

This feud has been simmering for almost a year now; all that remains is that the fight be signed, set, and delivered to fans. Evans was Jones' mentor and friend, and both men claimed that their personal affinity outweighed their professional ambitions. Jones would "wait his turn," so to speak, and if Jones did acquire the title before Evans reacquired it, Rashad would step aside and let Jones reign. Yet one interview answer changed all that, setting into motion a sequence of events that fractured the Jackson camp, ignited a war of words on Twitter and elsewhere, and ruined many a "special night."

So far in this feud we've seen the best and worst of both men. In the Octagon, both have looked like incredible fighters, the #1 and #2 men in the weight class. If Rashad can equal or exceed his August performance against Tito Ortiz on Saturday night against Phil Davis, he will solidify his position as the top contender. But unfortunately for Evans, Jon "Bones" Jones has looked almost untouchable, notching four dominant stoppage victories over Top Ten 205-ers in 2011, and moving into that shared space of perceived invincibility occupied by Anderson Silva and Georges St. Pierre. Evans likely will not be able to secure the victory over Jones when they fight, but the stakes of the fight remain high nonetheless. This is because this feud has managed to cast Evans, a man perpetually reviled by large segments of the MMA fanbase, in a sympathetic light, and raise questions about the character of Jon Jones. Jones has seemed at times disingenuous, haughty, petulant, and self-important, all while attempting to assert a moral high ground. Evans, for his part, may be overreacting and emotional, but his grievances are clear, and easily identified with.

For Jon Jones, this feud isn't simply about being the better man in the cage, it's about being the bigger man outside of it. If the takeaway point from this feud ends up being, "Sure, Jones is a better fighter, but Rashad was right about him," then he loses a lot more than one fight. He loses the chance to assume the role of the sport's signature star. If the fans think that Jon Jones the in-cage competitor is awesome, but Jon Jones the dude is a jerk, then his marketability is severely limited, because you have more opportunities to make fans outside of the Octagon than inside of it. If he continues to be dogged by the lingering sense that he is "fake" or "arrogant," then the narrative of Jones' greatness will be weighed down by that caveat. However, mending fences with Rashad, and the resultant show of sincere mutual respect, will go a long way towards helping Jones move on to the next phase of his career, establishing himself as The Best Fighter Ever.

2. Michael Bisping vs. Chael Sonnen

Although these two men were just recently booked to fight one another on Saturday night, they have been circling each other for a while now. They were the UFC's first choices to coach the most recent season of The Ultimate Fighter, before Nevada licensing issues kept Sonnen, who was coming off of a suspension, from accepting the position. Bisping, who feels that he is unfairly demonized by the MMA media, points to Sonnen as a fighter who doesn't face nearly the scrutiny that he does. Sonnen, for his part, has not fired off the kind of verbal offense that he has proven capable of in the past, but has instead dismissed Bisping as irrelevant to his title aspirations. And up until recently, he was right.

Sonnen's combination of pro wrestling heel antics and actual wrestling takedown acumen has fueled a resurgence in his career, culminating in a near-defeat of the current Middleweight Champion Anderson Silva. That he ultimately tested positive for elevated testosterone was largely irrelevant; for over four rounds, he made the champion look human, vulnerable even. Since he returned from his suspension he has had the inside track on a rematch with Silva, but Bisping feels like his first shot at Silva is long overdue.

After Bisping's one-sided victory over Jason "Mayhem" Miller netted him a spot on the UFC on Fox card, he began to use his spot at press conferences to talk past his original opponent Demian Maia, and engage with Sonnen, who agreed with former Team Quest teammate Dan Henderson's contention that Silva is milking an injury to avoid facing both him and Sonnen, but would gladly face Bisping. The implication was clear: Bisping, who was a KO victim of Henderson's, was an easy matchup for the champion, while the other two men were not.

Bisping walks around with a chip on his shoulder the size of Scotland, and while others choose to laugh off Sonnen's antics, Bisping takes offense, feeling disrespected. The last time Bisping felt disrespected by an opponent, he had a near-meltdown in the cage against Jorge Rivera, blasting him with an illegal knee, and spitting at Rivera and his cornermen after the fight. Even during a largely one-sided fight against Miller, a few taunts led to Bisping throwing an illegal kick. While the likelihood of Bisping losing his cool during his fight is slim, it is still present, and will persist throughout the contest.

Short of a definitive finish, it remains to be seen whether either fighter will show respect for the other after the final bell. And if there is a close or split decision, it is entirely likely that the losing fighter will contend that he was robbed. If that were to happen, bad blood could linger, and a true rivalry would be born. Their saga would demand a second chapter at some point, and UFC brass would be keen to book it as soon as possible. From a trash-talking perspective, they've only scratched the surface. Sonnen hasn't gone into his full bag of zingers, and Bisping hasn't let loose an obscenity-laced tirade in the direction of Sonnen. Bisping-Sonnen is a feud that could have some legs.

3. Nate Diaz vs. Frankie Edgar

Edgar and Ben Henderson will be competing for the UFC Lightweight title later this month, and while both men are fantastic fighters with interesting personalities who have put together tremendous strings of exciting fights, neither men have had a true feud. Frankie Edgar fought Gray Maynard three times, yet the fights ultimately proved to be more of a showcase for Edgar's heart and determination than an epic conflict of personalities. Edgar dug deep and broke Maynard twice while himself not breaking. If he were to do the same to Henderson, it would remind us that Edgar is a great fighter, but it wouldn't make him a star...especially because the fight will likely not be seen by enough fans on PPV to make an impression on them.

However, somewhere down the line, what awaits the eventual champion is a date with Nate Diaz, the Stockton, California firebrand who brings street style to the MMA cage, mixing high-volume boxing with Gracie jiu-jitsu, and throwing in double-birds and F-bombs. Diaz is probably one win away from a shot at the belt, and for a fighter who is adamantly against being friendly with fighters in the same "bracket," the idea of being respectful and cordial with either of those two men is a non-starter.

A feud between Frankie Edgar and Nathan Diaz would offer a study of contrasts. Frankie's a working class kid from Jersey with a wrestling background, who has developed into one of the best boxers in the lightweight division. While he is open about his past as a "knucklehead" growing up a stone's throw away from the Jersey Shore, he has since matured into a respectable champion and family man. He still has his boys from back in the neighborhood, but he doesn't let their boisterousness detract from the professional responsibilities that come with being the UFC Lightweight Champion.

Nate, however, is a working class kid from California with a BJJ background, who too has developed into one of the best boxers in the lightweight division, albeit with a style much more reliant upon jabs, activity, and body punching than footwork, head movement, and quickness. At 26, Diaz is no kid, but he is surely more knucklehead than family man, and he keeps it too real to be caught in a suit. The fierceness of his loyalty to his training partners "The Skrap Pack" is evidenced by his vitriol for fighters like Tyson Griffin who have left the camp, and by his willingness to throw down at a moment's notice to back them up. After all, who can forget the infamous Nashville brawl? Diaz won't no-show a presser or conference call like his brother would, but he's certainly not about to speak in cliches and platitudes in order to uphold an ideal of professionalism or respect. There is a very real sense that World Champion Nate Diaz would be the same guy he was when he first burst on the scene: brash, outspoken, and prone to talk shit, but ready to back it up.

Where Nate wants to incite an opponent to brawl recklessly, confident that he will eventually overwhelm him with volume, Edgar remains under control, exploiting holes in his opponent's offense, and taking over later in the fight, once he has frustrated and flustered the opposition. Both men are confident that they cannot be broken, and both men believe their toughness is unmatched. Will Nate pull Frankie into "knucklehead" mode, and make it a down and dirty street brawl? Or will Edgar elude Diaz's swarming offense with deft evasion, technique, and defense, winning with precision over volume, and "outclassing" the Stockton native? In the run-up to the fight, these are the questions that would be asked, and to the extent that the fight itself raises the stakes on the kind of man each purports to be, whichever man comes out on top validates his worldview. Then again, whoever wins might have to do so while fighting in the other's comfort zone -- the Efficient Boxer might have to "just scrap," while the "Scrapper" might have to execute efficiently and precisely. Despite the study in contrasts, a feud of this magnitude might be resolved by finding out that these two men aren't so different after all.

4. Frank Mir vs. Josh Barnett

Strikeforce heavyweight competitor Josh Barnett is most likely two fights away from earning another opportunity in the UFC, despite testing positive for anabolic steroids on multiple occasions. Regardless of that checkered aspect of his past, he is still a decorated mixed martial artist, a former UFC heavyweight champion, and one of the top heavyweights in the sport. Frank Mir is also a former UFC heavyweight champion, but as a fighter whose career as a top-level MMA fighter has only included Octagon competition, he has received both the benefit of UFC exposure and the detriment of UFC fans seeing him at his best and at his worst, without the "aura" of having achieved success in the legendary PRIDE organization. Thus, the path towards being recognized as an all-time great is more arduous for Mir, who still needs a few more wins, despite the resume that he has accrued.

In Barnett you have a fighter who enjoys the fuzzy overlap between MMA and pro wrestling, particularly in Japan, and any opportunity he can use to cut a pro wrestling "promo," or work a match during open workouts, will be taken. Even his "catch wrestling" submission style owes a lot to early professional wrestling. Mir, you may recall, was once Brock Lesnar's nemesis, and was one of the more vocal opponents of the idea of pro wrestling and mixed martial arts overlapping in that way. The outspoken Mir would not hesitate to deride Barnett's accomplishments or his aspirations, and when it comes to the question of who the better submission grappler is, would relish the opportunity to use his jiu-jitsu to either make Barnett tap, or make his arm snap.

However, Josh Barnett is always willing to speak his mind as well, and with no losses in recent memory, he would likely tout his winning streak (assuming it continues) as a reason that he should be considered a better fighter than Mir. After all, historically the heavyweight division outside of the UFC has been stronger than the UFC's division. The Strikeforce Heavyweight Grand Prix, with its collection of heavyweight stars, was at one time considered to be a tournament whose winner could stake a claim to being the top heavyweight in the sport, and Barnett is one win away from claiming that mantle. In any event, the battle of outsized egos leading up to the fight would be almost as intriguing as the heavyweight battle that would take place inside the Octagon.

As Strikeforce heavyweight talent is integrated into the UFC, that heavyweight division will continue to stratify, with clearer tiers taking shape from fight to fight. What would be at stake in this fight would not just be current positioning within the hierarchy. For a fanbase and media that is quite prone to revisionism, the outcome of this fight represents a way for either fighter to rewrite his legacy in victory or defeat. A Barnett win reinforces PRIDE superiority, as well as validates the division that Strikeforce was putting together before it was acquired by Zuffa, particularly if the other Strikeforce transplants experience success. A Mir win allows him to notch another win over a PRIDE name, and continue to fuel the narrative that the "legends" of PRIDE were overrated, and that the UFC has always been the place where true legacies are forged. Moving forward, we know that will be the case, but as the sun sets on an earlier era, Mir has the opportunity to help recast that era in a much more pro-Zuffa light. And in doing so, Mir will have established himself as perhaps the greatest "company man" that the UFC Heavyweight Division has ever seen.

5. "King Mo" Lawal vs. "Rampage" Jackson

Hardcore mixed martial arts fans know that this feud has been bubbling for years, when an up-and-coming Muhammed Lawal had a heated argument in a van with UFC superstar Quinton Jackson that was captured on video and uploaded to an MMA site. For a fighter who has made "Black on Black Crime" his catchphrase, the notion of taking on another African-American light heavyweight is far from a new one, and for mixed martial arts fans, most of whom only think of black on black crime when they think of the Rampage catchphrase, the prospect of the fight was very intriguing.

Muhammed Lawal is keenly aware that young African-American light heavyweights are going to be compared to Rampage, especially if they are wrestlers. He has gone on record In support of Rashad Evans, who believes that Jackson panders to white fans by trafficking in stereotypes, playing into them, and "cooning" for their amusement. He has also stated that he believes that Rampage has a problem with other black fighters, perhaps because of the so-called "H.N.I.C. Syndrome." If there can only be one, he believes, then Rampage wants to be that one, and feels threatened by the idea of someone "taking his spot." Of course, Lawal has no desire to take Rampage's "spot" as a fan favorite, but in a way, he does want to beat him, and take his spot in the Top Ten at 205.

However, because the two fight in different organizations, they get asked about fighting one another by the MMA media, but have not been able to get the fight signed. Instead, they trade barbs through that same media, and on Twitter. It gets crass, profane, and often ugly, but the hatred is 100% authentic. And while traversing the racial minefield is very difficult for MMA media, if more mainstream sports outlets pick up on this rivalry, they'll be able to present the controversy in a more textured and nuanced way. It will polarize and galvanize fans, and in turn, raise the stakes of this matchup. Boxing fans understand how intra-racial politics informs rivalries dating as far back as Ali-Frasier, and basketball has seen its fair share of rivalries between players and teams tinged with racial undertones, even in recent years.

If and when these two square off, we can expect the gloves to come off verbally, as neither fighter will hold back his hatred for the other. Any and everything will come into play, from Lawal's steroid test to Rampage's "motorboating" incident, and the potshots will fly at a mile a minute. Politically incorrect things will be said, and pre-fight footage will be littered with bleeps. And by the time the Octagon door closes, anticipation will be at a fever pitch. For King Mo, it would be a chance to back up his harsh words, solidifying his status as one of the top fighters in the sport, and for Rampage, it would be an opportunity to deliver a high-profile ass-whupping, and shut Mo's big mouth. And neither fighter's career would be the same afterwards.

For us to truly see the best of the UFC's emerging stars, they can't simply be showcased in the cage, or make their names on competition alone. Each needs to be pit against an opponent in a matchup that has the opportunity to define him. Through that high-stakes challenge the fans' perception of that fighter can come into sharper focus, for better or worse. Each of the feuds listed above has the potential to crystalize or reinvent how a star is viewed by the masses, and will lay the foundation for future narratives, which are the building blocks of legacies. Every star leaves a legacy, and with Zuffa looking for new feet to fill big shoes, the time for these fighters to step into them and chase their legacies is now.

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Next in Line or Right Behind: Will Evans-Davis Really Crown the Next Light Heavyweight Title Challenger?

By Raphael Garcia

Main event fights in combat sports are supposed to do one of three things: allow a champion to defend his title against a new contender, create a new number one contender for the champion of that weight class, or serve as filler for a card that does not feature one of the previous two. UFC on Fox 2 has a main event that is in an interesting position, because even though it features two big names in the light heavyweight division, I still question whether either of them will receive the next shot at Jon Jones.

Rashad Evans and Phil Davis are near the upper echelon of the UFC’s 205-pound weight class. They are consistently ranked in the top ten across multiple MMA media outlets, and have the track records to back the rankings up. With wins over the likes of Thiago Silva and Quinton Jackson for Evans, and Antonio Rogerio Nogueira and Brian Stann for Davis, both fighters have positioned themselves to claim the number one contender status with a victory. Yet questions remain about whether the timing will allow it. According to recent reports, Jones has contacted UFC matchmakers to let them know that he wants to return to action sooner rather than later. After he defeated Lyoto Machida at UFC 140 it was expected that “Bones” would take some time off because he had a really active 2011. With UFC 145 in need of a main event, rumors have begun to circulate that Atlanta will be the location where Jones will next defend his title. If Evans were to win this weekend, one has to wonder if he will be ecstatic about taking the title shot less than three months later. Evans has not been very active over the last few years, due to a combination of injuries and playing "hardball" with the UFC over matchmaking. 2007 is the last time that Evans competed more than twice in the same calendar year. While he may not have a choice but to take the title shot if he wins, I don’t believe he will be too happy about it.

Davis was once considered the “model” challenger who would be able to rise up and defeat Jones. That was until he was placed in a tough fight against Nogueira. Once fight fans and “experts” were given the opportunity to see Davis have to fight an ugly-looking bout, those calling him the next big thing were quickly silenced. If he were able to find a way to beat Evans, I would hope that the matchmakers would not put him in line to face Jones, who would ravage him in every area of the fight. Davis does have a solid foundation, but he lacks the overall ability and technique to even be a threat to Jones at this point.

Enter Dan Henderson. Henderson was welcomed back into the UFC with open arms and rewarded everyone with the fight he and Mauricio Rua put on at UFC 139. A fight of the year candidate, this contest brought everyone to their feet and propelled Henderson into the title picture. Now which title has been the question, as “Hendo” has always expressed an interest at going back down to 185 for a rematch against Anderson Silva. However, if he did so he would have to wait an extended period of time, because not only is the champion currently hurt, but he would have to wait for the winner of the Chael Sonnen versus Michael Bisping bout to get their crack at the “Spider.” At 41 years of age, time is not on Henderson’s side, and I see him jumping at an opportunity to fight Jones for the 205 title. While Jones would clearly be the favorite in that bout, we have all seen the power that is packed in Henderson’s right hand, and one shot is all that he needs.

Evans and Henderson are the most viable fighters who can be matched against Jones come UFC 145. After this weekend's UFC on Fox 2 card, we will all have a more clear vision as to who will be next to stand across the cage from the young champion.

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Five Points: A Plan to Create Stars in the UFC: The Heels (Part 4 of 5)

By Michael Ford

As the UFC seeks to make stars, some will be viewed as Heroes, and others as Heels. Here are five controversial figures who are likely to find stardom as the object of the fans' ire, rather than their approval.

The first piece in this series focused on crucial components for stardom, the second piece concentrated on the mechanisms by which stars are made. This piece and the one that preceded it are focused on candidates for stardom -- some will be viewed as Heroes, others as Heels.

Now the term "Heel" is a bit of a misnomer. It isn't being used in the true pro wrestling sense, of guys putting on a character in order to be hated by fans. Nor is it based on the idea of promoters casting fighters in a certain light to manipulate fan perception. These fighters are who they are, and who they are galvanizes fans. They are not without their fans, but the fact that they generate controversy and stir things up ensures that they'll always have their fair share of detractors...and perhaps rightfully so. However, being a polarizing figure doesn't itself bar an athlete from becoming a star. In fact, it can often accelerate the process.

1. Alistair Overeem

The former "Demolition Man" is a hulking imposing figure that was most recently seen sending Brock Lesnar into retirement. He is a former Strikeforce and DREAM World Champion, and an accomplished kickboxer to boot. He can unleash ultraviolence upon his opponents using his hands, feet, elbows and knees, and can choke them out using his formidable guillotine choke. Yet Overeem remains steeped in controversy, from the questions about his increase in size over the last few years, to his dealings with Golden Glory, his former management group, which have been alleged to be associated with organized crime, and other shady criminal figures.

The fact that Overeem lives in The Netherlands, rather than in the States, creates an air of "eluding" deeper inquiries by flying overseas, away from the close scrutiny of stateside media and authorities. Overeem, for his part, doesn't antagonize the media, but doesn't come off as 100% sympathetic, nor 100% innocent. For fans who are used to baseball and other sports' PED scandals, and the way that Barry Bonds, Roger Clemons, Floyd Landis, and others related to the questions from the press, Overeem's mannerisms are evocative of an athlete with something to hide. Whether he ultimately tests positive or not, the questions about him will continue to swirl.

Furthermore, Overeem is in no way an underdog. He will likely be larger than any fighter he faces in the Octagon, and fights in such a way that he bullies his opponents. He has often been criticized for wilting under adversity, so it is unlikely that impressive displays of heart and fortitude will endear him to fans. These characteristics lend themselves to the fans taking to his seemingly overmatched foes, those who can withstand his onslaught, and battle through with fortitude to turn the tide. Even if it doesn't happen for a while, whenever it does, the cheers will rain down on whoever can do it.

2. Michael Bisping

Michael Bisping is almost the anti-GSP. Georges St. Pierre sort of developed organically as a Canadian hero, while Bisping was a product of The Ultimate Fighter, and pushed hard by the UFC brass as the face of British MMA. Where GSP ran through a veritable who's who at welterweight en route to a title shot against the dominant Matt Hughes, Bisping has been largely protected in terms of his opposition, and has faltered against the top tier, but is still on the cusp of a title shot. Whereas GSP is the consummate professional, and the face of class and respect for opponents, Bisping is prone to unprofessionalism, from tantrums to slurs to taunting to whining. That is not to say that Bisping is not without his own roguish charm, but the man can't be held up as a role model, the standard of squeaky-clean sportsmanship that "the face of UK MMA" requires, at least if it wants to dispel notions about "cage fighters" in his home country.

However, until that man is found, Bisping is what they've got, and he has actually garnered a major following in the US as one of the most hated fighters in the UFC. Fans know that booing him gets under his skin, and fighters know that a little bit of trash talk or other mockery can make him come unhinged. Press conferences where he attempts to be respectful are often one snide comment away from his more natural asshole side emerging, and things really getting interesting.

What makes Bisping truly compelling is that he is an asshole that doesn't think he is an asshole, and on a certain level, doesn't want to be an asshole. Yet he just is one, and it takes a Herculean effort on his part to hold it back, so much so, that when he just abandons that effort, it is almost relieving and comforting to see the true asshole that he is. Make no mistake about it, we still want him to get beat up, but every time he's a smarmy dick, or a self-centered, insecure whiner who complains about the lack of respect from fans, it feels more natural, and helps to justify our disdain for him.

And that's the paradox of Michael Bisping. If he weren't so good, he wouldn't be overrated. If he weren't trying to be popular, he wouldn't be so hated. The day Michael Bisping stops trying to be one of the faces of the UFC, he'll probably stop being one of its most preeminent heels.

3. Nick/Nate Diaz

More like anti-heroes than villains, the Diaz brothers are loved by fans who love a little antisocial chaos every now and then. Nick is paranoid, socially awkward, and refuses to conform. It doesn't even seem like he loves to fight; rather, he seems to recognize that he's good at it, and wants to prove that he can beat everyone up. Nick doesn't want to "play the game" of press conferences, promotional appearances, photo shoots, and the like. He just wants to train and fight, and considers the rest a "beauty pageant."

Nate, however, can play the game a little. He endured a stint on The Ultimate Fighter. He shows up for press conferences and promotional appearances. He doesn't fail drug tests, nor miss scheduled pre-fight drug screenings. However Nate is much more of an antagonist, and loves to initiate conflict, talk trash, get in fighters' faces, and remind them that he "ain't no bitch." Nate was right there alongside his older brother during the infamous EliteXC and Strikeforce post-fight brawls, and seemed to relish it. No UFC fighter exemplifies the word "punk" more than Nathan Diaz.

But despite these personality failings, both are world-class fighters who are tremendously skilled, and fight in a manner that is both crowd-pleasing and entertaining. In fact, the fighting style that tends to beat them, the grinding, slowed down, wrestling style, based on creating stalemates and establishing top control, is loathed by most casual fans, and many hardcore ones, despite its effectiveness. Thus, even a disciplined fighter can find himself pulled into a brawl with Nick or Nate, because of the cheers that style of fighting may garner. And even fans who want to see the Diaz brothers lose find it hard to cheer for fights to be made less entertaining in order for that to happen. Outside of the cage, they are in many ways a menace to the sport, but in the cage, they are a big part of what fans love about the sport. That contradiction makes the Diaz brothers compelling figures, though definitely not role models.

4. Frank Mir

Frank Mir is comfortable in front of a microphone. Whether in the studio, the cage after a fight, at the dais at pre- and post-fight press conferences, or in the commentary booth, Mir has no problem saying exactly what's on his mind, no matter who it rankles. He is often smug, dismissive, and self-congratulatory, particularly when it comes to his penchant for breaking bones with submission holds. He has joked about causing a death in the Octagon. He is clearly one of the best heavyweights in the world, and a gifted analyst as well, but if you put a microphone in front of him for any significant length of time, fans begin to hope that somebody shuts him up and humbles him.

In the cage, Frank Mir is at his best when he can control the action en route to a somewhat boring one-sided decision, or surprise an opponent with a snap submission. Where he does not succeed is in a grueling, back-and-forth war, as Mir has shown a penchant for wilting under an opponent's offense. He's not a textbook front-runner, but he's pretty close. If a Hail Mary submission is not forthcoming, Mir is most likely to go down in flames.

Admittedly, Mir's relatively advanced age and mileage in the sport is a detriment to him finding a mainstream following at such a late stage of his career. However, after having been exposed to a fair amount of fans through his feud with Brock Lesnar, and because he possesses a truly gruesome highlight reel, as well as the gift of gab, Mir could be quickly positioned as a star over the twilight of his career, and provide an interesting foil for the top tier of the UFC's heavyweight division. He may yet contend for the Heavyweight Championship again, and by the time he does, he could have a much higher profile than he has now.

5. Muhammed "King Mo" Lawal

To be fair, Lawal is not currently fighting in the UFC, and his recent positive steroid test has undercut his ability to garner enough exposure in Strikeforce to arrive in the UFC a la Nick Diaz or Alistair Overeem, and challenge for the title right away. However, Lawal has two things working in his favor: (1) the relative dearth of light heavyweights who will be viewed as legitimate threats to Jon Jones in a year's time, and (2) Lawal's mouth, which could potentially make him the most polarizing figure in the sport.

You see, King Mo doesn't give a damn what you think about him. That is to say, he cares very much. Fans on Twitter and elsewhere on the internet criticize him, and Mo has no problem calling them out. He believes that he is unfairly scrutinized by white MMA fans because he is an outspoken Black fighter, and doesn't try to sugar coat that perspective. He thinks that most fans are clueless, and believe whatever the hype machine tells them, while he is a student of the game, and smart enough to buck conventional wisdom. In short, Mo probably thinks he's better than you.

Then again, Lawal doesn't have a lot in common with you either. He is a world-class wrestler, with the work ethic to match, a natural athlete who has a gifted mind for combat sports, and a voracious appetite for tape study. He may speak with street slang, but he is highly-intelligent, and knows that to many, that's a contradiction in terms. He knows the man that he is expected to be, the role that he is expected to play, and he is willing to play it, but only to a point. His classic quote is, "fuck the fans," because, as he says, he's in the sport to make money.

In general, sports fans don't care for outspoken athletes who speak openly about making money taking precedence over "the love of the game" or other platitudes. In general, these fans want to see guys who smile and have fun "playing a kid's game" more than men who scowl and frown, serious about the countless hours of training and preparation that goes into competing at a world-class level, and the slim margin for error between greatness and mediocrity, between accolades and acrimony. Mo Lawal smiles after he wins, celebrates his success, and tips his crown to his loyal fans, but always maintains the separation between himself and those who would judge him. He doesn't fight for anyone but himself, and isn't interested in changing who he is and how he fights to impress a fickle, disloyal fanbase.

In the cage, King Mo has been known to showboat and "clown" an overmatched opponent, as well as use his wrestling to grind down more competitive fights to a less aesthetically pleasing offensive pace. Those twin sins of "disrespect" and "lay and pray" consistently raise the ire of hardcore fans, but even more casual fans are less than enthralled by these tactics.

And yet, Lawal's most recent scandal has the potential to mar his career, and ensure that he is looked upon with scorn and derison for years to come. He has competed at a world class level in wrestling, and has been subjected to the most stringent of drug tests. While other fighters may lack the sophistication to recognize the reality that professional athletes are ultimately responsible for everything they put in their bodies when they are subject to testing, Mo cannot claim ignorance. He is acutely aware of testing protocols of world-wide anti-doping commissions, and for fans who want PED users to be sanctioned and stigmatized in a real and lasting way, his protestations seem unpersuasive, and his positive test marks him as a more likely cheater than most.

Furthermore, given Lawal’s outspoken and unapologetic personality, especially as it concerns the fans, it is unlikely that he’ll be accepting responsibility (whether or not such a statement constitutes an admission of guilt), apologizing to fans, nor expressing contrition. Because of that defiant attitude, the label of “cheater” will remain with him, and the derision of a large segment of the fanbase will be justified in their eyes, while everything he does from now on, inside the cage or outside it, will be subject to that caveat. Whether or not that is unfair to Muhammed Lawal the competitor or the man is immaterial; “King Mo” will be firmly ensconced as a heel.


When sports fans take the time to hate a professional athlete or team, it’s usually because that athlete or team is really good. And often, the relish with which fans root against those athletes and teams proves to be a ratings and attendance driver. MMA is no exception, and the five men discussed above could drive ratings, attendance, and pay-per-view buys as they become bigger stars and more accomplished fighters. However, they’ll most likely do so while being cast as villains, antagonizing opponents and polarizing fans. They’ll be hated, but their talents in the cage will be respected.

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Five Points: A Plan to Create Stars in the UFC: The Heroes (Part 3 of 5)

By Michael Ford

As the UFC seeks to make stars, some will be viewed as Heroes, and others as Heels. Here are five candidates for fame as fight fan favorites.

The first piece in this series focused on crucial components for stardom, while the second piece concentrated on the mechanisms by which stars are made. This piece and the one that follows it will focus on candidates for stardom – some will be viewed as Heroes, others as Heels.

1. Jon Jones

This is the obvious choice. The future is now for the young fighter, the spot has been vacated, and what happens in the next 12 months will determine whether he realizes his potential, and becomes the UFC’s signature star. He has already delivered the kinds of performances in the Octagon that have left fans breathless, and put together a collection of highlights unlike any other. All that he has lacked is the spotlight that comes from millions of eyes fixated on him, wondering what will happen next. Many athletes can’t handle the spotlight, and either on or off the field of play, prove unworthy of the accolades and adoration of fans. That will be the dominant subplot for Jon Jones. Will the microscope of fan scrutiny uncover blemishes and flaws in his character? Will be falter under the pressure of carrying the UFC brand on his back? Or will he rise to the occasion, and prove himself to be every bit the superhero that the UFC Marketing Machine wants us to believe he is?

Of course, we first have to deal with the elephant in the room: Jon Jones’ perceived “cockiness” and “fakeness.” This has been a growing meme over the last year, in part growing out of his feud with Rashad Evans, where he said All the Right Things regarding viewing the former Jackson’s fighter as a mentor and a friend, and seemed to embody the classic Greg Jackson ethos of “No Jackson-on-Jackson Violence.” Even when he was on the verge of winning the Light Heavyweight Championship, both fighters claimed that their friendship came first. Yet it was Jones who seemed to indicate that he was saying All the Right Things out of respect for Evans and Jackson, but didn’t really have a problem fighting Rashad, if it came down to it. That set off a series of interviews and back and forth comments that led to Evans accusing Jones of being a fraud, and leaving the Greg Jackson camp. As the year progressed, the Jones-Evans feud became a sore spot for everyone involved, as each time Jones fought Evans was floated as the next contender, yet each time, some rationale arose which led to the fight being scrapped. However on Twitter and across other media, the two continued their war of words, with Jones “fakeness” being the most common refrain.

On a certain level, Evans is and was right. Jon Jones is carefully managed, and seems to labor at the back and forth of trash-talk because he wants to project respect for his opponents, whereas Evans seems quite comfortable saying whatever he feels at a given moment, even if it ends up rubbing fans the wrong way. It also helps Evans that he has never been considered a fan favorite, and he surely realizes that whatever he says will be scrutinized and criticized by people who are predisposed towards not liking him, so he has stopped caring about catering to them. Jones, however, seems genuinely baffled by fans’ dislike of him, and perhaps even a little hurt. He wants to be liked, and feels like he is doing his best to show his best face. But that’s part of the problem.

Fans like consistency and authenticity, even as they tip their hats to class and humility. Worse than brashness and arrogance is brashness and arrogance behind a façade of humility and decency. Jon Jones is very confident in his abilities, and has every right to be. However, up until this point, the false apologetics about that confidence has led many fans to believe that behind the front of humility lies a fighter with no respect for his opponents, but who says All the Right Things, because that’s how a champion is expected to carry himself. If Jon Jones were to admit that he strives for perfection, but often falls short, even though he sincerely wants to be the best representative of the sport that he can be, that would humanize him. That would be authentic and real. And it would make him relatable to people who are in awe of his athletic gifts, and the effortlessness which he puts those gifts to use in doling out violence. In short, it would give fans a reason to pull for him, because even if Jon Jones the Fighter is a guy who is running roughshod over the sport, Jon Jones the Man might be a guy we genuinely want to see succeed. That’s the Heroes Journey, and that’s something to cheer for.

2. Urijah Faber

This is a bit of a cop-out, because in a lot of ways, Urijah Faber has already proven to be That Dude; he just hasn’t done it on the largest stage possible. He was very clearly the face of World Extreme Cagefighting, and in many ways, the face of the Versus network. Urijah Faber’s Featherweight title defense against Jens Pulver drew higher ratings on the network than even the UFC’s offerings. And now that he is on the larger UFC stage, he has a chance to become one of the faces of the UFC.

But there’s one major obstacle in his path: Dominick Cruz, who has already thwarted Faber’s title challenge once, and if he does it again, he’ll put Faber into the type of divisional limbo that Rich Franklin and Kenny Florian found themselves. Having just escaped that limbo at Featherweight, Faber would face an uncertain path that would severely limit his chance to be seen as the face of the sub-155 weight classes. Those three divisions (including Flyweight, which is due to debut in March), are new kids on the block in the UFC, and fans have not yet embraced them or their stars. Jose Aldo might be on the verge of something special, but likely has a much higher ceiling for stardom in his native Brazil, as his personality isn’t as easily accessible to American audiences, and the language barrier has yet to be overcome. Urijah Faber, however, has the total package, and a charisma that transcends his small size. “The California Kid” has a unique ability to assert respect for the so-called “little guys” in the UFC without coming off as having a chip on his shoulder, or a Napoleon Complex. His athleticism, and exciting blend of varied striking, wrestling, and submission acumen not only embodies all aspects of MMA, it allows him to be a symbol of the promise of the sub-lightweights, entertainment wise. Plus, as the face of Team Alpha Male, Faber’s star power helps his protégés Joseph Benavidez and Chad Mendes stand out in the UFC landscape, and become well-known names in their own right.

Faber’s star power will be put on full display over thirteen weeks this Spring, as he and his nemesis Cruz will coach against each other on FX’s retooled version of The Ultimate Fighter. Not only will Urijah have to contend with the possibility of not coming off well in front of the reality show cameras, but he will also have his training camp chronicled in unprecedented detail leading up to the most important fight of his UFC career. Those 13 weeks will be make or break in many ways, as the lead-up and fight to follow could either cement Faber as one of the UFC signature stars, and a bona fide headliner, or relegate him to second-tier “name fighter” who the UFC would likely use to build stars off of. The gulf between Gold and Silver in this contest is immense.

3. Junior Dos Santos

As the UFC World Heavyweight Champion, “Cigano” is already in a prominent role. And after being featured on Fox in a title fight that was viewed by nearly 9 million people in the US, and coming out on top, the Champ has secured some measure of attachment to the national consciousness. Yet the biggest factor in JDS’ potential ascension to stardom will be his native Brazil, where his fight was viewed by nearly 20 million people. In the months between now and his first title defense, Dos Santos, whose cheerful disposition belies his great capacity for violence in the cage, must ride the wave of his title win, and let the Brazilian media transform him into a darling. If he can achieve a sponsorship with a Brazilian soccer club that is similar to that of his friend Anderson Silva and Corinthians, as well as make other appearances akin to the one that was highlighted on UFC Primetime alongside his pop star friend at a concert, then he can return to the States as an international superstar, someone who is carried by the faith of an entire nation.

But here in the U.S., JDS also needs to have a sustained effort put behind the idea that he is the Top Dog at Heavyweight. There will be a lot of heavyweights joining the UFC over the next year, and the man that they’re all gunning for is Junior Dos Santos. Whether they fly him in, or pump in a satellite feed, it’s important that every big time heavyweight fight of note feature Dos Santos offering respectful words that acknowledge and welcome his newfound role as the man to beat. Fighters from all over the world are gunning for him, but he is the World Champion, and he should be expected to repel every challenge.

4. Cain Velasquez

The other side of that “UFC on Fox” coin was Cain Velasquez, who was positioned as the best heavyweight in the world, the spiritual heir to Fedor Emelianenko, and the man who would be a symbol of success for the Mexican people. Yet after having watched him lose in such emphatic fashion, our temptation is to write Cain off. However, this loss has merely enriched the narrative, because America loves an underdog story.

For many mainstream fans, Velasquez was introduced to them through the UFC Primetime special that preceded UFC’s debut on Fox. He was already the champion, and had already arrived. His story of triumph over adversity was heartwarming, but it was already over. The fight against Junior Dos Santos was the denouement, the cherry on top of an achievement already attained on the back of hard work, strength of character, and discipline. Yet for the fans who watched his previous Primetime series appearance, Velasquez took that core American success story into a fight against Brock Lesnar, who stood as almost his perfect foil: gigantic, loud, outspoken, White, ignorant, rich, and a former professional wrestler. When Cain conquered Lesnar, he went from underdog to Top Dog, and that’s where his narrative faltered.

You see, Cain Velasquez is a blue collar guy, a hard-working fighter who validated his parents’ American Dreams by succeeding in wrestling, and later MMA, but whose “Brown Pride” tattoo is a stark reminder of all the other people with similar dreams, who emigrated to this country to give their children opportunities that didn’t exist in Mexico. That he came of age in Arizona, a state which in recent years has become notorious for anti-immigrant policies and racial profiling, just adds another layer of irony. His is a struggle against prejudice, to be great while trying not to stand out, just showing up to the gym every day, and doing his best, putting food on the table, and trying to inspire young brown kids to work as hard as he does, so that they may achieve success in their chosen endeavors, and realize their own American Dreams. Sure he can be that without the World title, but having failed so epically, and on such a large stage, Cain’s struggle to regain the belt is an attempt to make up for having let His People down. Not just his Brown People, but any people who were inspired by his story: downtrodden, struggling, but working hard to achieve the success that seemed to be more dream than likelihood. This time, the road to the title for Cain Velasquez will have more observers on it, and that Road to Redemption will have more fans staked in the outcome, with the possibility of still more getting behind him the closer he gets to the prize.

5. Ben Henderson

“Smooth” Ben Henderson looks like a superstar. With his long hair, well-toned frame, and polished cadence, he evokes the kind of athlete that mainstream sports fans are accustomed to seeing. Even when his charisma and flamboyance gives way to outspoken proclamations of faith, it fits that the otherworldly manifestations of his God-given gifts be attributed to a higher power. Though he was unfortunately posterized by the Showtime Kick, Henderson managed to persevere past it and leapfrog the man who defeated him on the way to a UFC Lightweight Title shot. Now he stands on the precipice of being crowned the number one fighter at 155 pounds, and he must travel to the Land of the Rising Sun to do it.

But sadly, like many fights that take place in the Lightweight division, this contest is not receiving its proper due and promotion. Frankie “The Answer” Edgar continues to accumulate Fight of the Year candidates and upset wins as the champion, and will likely find himself viewed as the favorite for the first time since he has attained the belt. But a narrative for the fight will be nonexistent, just a Fighting Champion defending his belt against a top contender. Even the fight that established Henderson as the top contender was criminally buried on the internet as part of the undercard of UFC on Fox, even though going into the card it was expected to be a Fight of the Year candidate which deserved to be exposed to the millions who would no doubt be watching. Just as expected, Henderson and Clay Guida put together a stellar back and forth display of heart, athleticism, and ability, and hardly anyone got to see it. Thus, at this very moment, Henderson is the Best Kept Secret in the UFC, a top-tier fighter whose rise to the top has gone largely unnoticed, and even if he were to win the championship next month, that win would be largely unseen. That is a tragedy for a fighter with so much marketability.

It would be too much to assume that a company focused on giving the Nick Diaz vs. Carlos Condit Interim Welterweight Championship matchup the UFC Primetime treatment it warrants would do the same for its Lightweight Championship matchup less than a month later, but the UFC has to do whatever it can to ensure that this fight doesn’t get lost in the shuffle. Given the fighters involved, it will likely be a Fight of the Year candidate, and will on its own justify the $55 price tag. And if it becomes the Coming Out Party for Ben Henderson, then Zuffa will have a potential star on their hands, one who can, if put into media circulation, talk the talk of the fight game, while endearing himself to the crossover audience who is still skeptical about MMA with his “smoothness” and devout faith. And when those fans put down their hard-earned money to see him fight, Henderson is sure to deliver inspired performances in the Octagon. “All things are possible through Christ,” indeed, and Henderson is one win away from positioning himself as a powerful messenger for that mantra.


The next twelve months are crucial for the UFC, as these five fighters all need to continue winning in order to truly realize their potential as stars. For some, like Henderson and Faber, their windows are closing, and their opportunities to achieve “the moment” hinge on one singular in-cage performance. For Jones and Dos Santos, it will be playing the media game alongside their winning ways that determines whether true superstardom is achieved. And for Cain Velasquez, the journey is much more uncertain, as he must straddle the line between Superman and Everyman along the way to recapturing the title, and putting the cap on a powerful narrative of redemption. In any event, the path towards becoming a hero is hard, and if it weren’t, we wouldn’t admire them, and enjoy cheering for them. However, it’s a lot easier to be hated, and the next piece in this series will focus on that particular brand of villain that we love to hate, and the five candidates to achieve stardom in that role.

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Looking At Rashad Evans Versus Phil Davis at UFC on Fox 2

By Raphael Garcia

UFC on Fox 2: Evans vs. Davis will be broadcast live from the United Center in Chicago, Illinois on January 28th 2012. At the top of the card is a matchup between two light heavyweights who are poised to make a run at current champion Jon Jones. And while a matchup featuring two wrestlers is often shunned by the MMA community as a whole, this fight still has value within the light heavyweight division.

Phil Davis and Rashad Evans can be considered two fighters who are cut from the same cloth. They both came into mixed martial arts as dominating wrestlers who used that to power their way to multiple victories. You can also say that Evans is where Davis wants to be in his career, as he has developed an impressive striking game to go with his takedown ability. That factor is going to be an important advantage for Evans in this fight.

Davis was the better collegiate wrestler of the two, and has used that foundation to garner a 9-0 record during his nearly four-year fighting career. During that time he has fought against individuals such as Alexander Gustafsson and Antonio Rogerio Nogueira, who were both able to outstrike him, yet unable to stop his takedowns. Nogueira in particular was very precise, using his striking to frustrate Davis into taking bad shots during the first round of their UFC Fight Night 24 matchup last March. However, he was not able to deal with the altered takedown strategy that Davis employed from the second round on. The argument can be made that Evans has such a similar foundation in fighting that he will be able to stuff Davis’s takedowns during the fight, but while he may be able to fight off a few, Evans has been taken down before by bigger, stronger wrestlers such as Tito Ortiz in both of their fights. However in the second Ortiz fight Evans was able to scramble his way back to his feet to bring striking into play, and finish the fight from there. Davis is the longer fighter, but has not developed enough as a striker to be able to effectively use that range against the much more experienced former champion.

Evans will be able to frustrate Davis in the striking department for the entirety of the fight, forcing Davis to take bad shots time and time again. He will also score a takedown or two, which will result in a top-down control stalemate with eventual stand-ups. The fight may not be pretty to watch, but I am taking Evans over Davis in a decision victory at UFC on Fox 2.

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Five Points: A Plan to Create Stars in the UFC: The Medium (Part 2 of 5)

By Michael Ford

Everyone knows that the UFC needs to make stars in 2012. Here are five mechanisms that are essential in the star-making process.

The first part of this series focused on what it takes to be a star in the current UFC era. However, the process by which stars are made needs to be scrutinized and analyzed as well. Even a potential star who possesses mass appeal needs to reach those masses in ways that suit them. But MMA is not pro wrestling, where stars can be created out of whole cloth because management takes a liking to you. Having said that, the development of athletes into superstars can not be completely organic, and happen without some degree of investment in that process. And currently there are five main mechanisms by which an environment conducive to star-making can be cultivated:

1. Fox

The Fox Network by far is the most effective means at the UFC's disposal to reach mainstream sports fans on a consistent basis. Its football coverage is highly-rated, and its baseball coverage is comprehensive. By offering four fight cards a year on the network, the UFC is giving its athletes unprecedented visibility, as well as a platform to introduce and reinforce notions of stakes and significance for upcoming matchups. Its debut broadcast saw a title change, Brock Lesnar hamming it up in the studio, and Dana White appearing miscast and over his head in the role of "analyst."

Yet further forays into the relationship should allow for the UFC to give its best and most promising talents the opportunity to ply their trade in front of millions of viewers. Furthermore, much like Brock Lesnar's positioning as analyst allowed him to both offer insight into the upcoming contest and hype a showdown with the winner, the Fox Studios set should offer champions and contenders the opportunity to put their own sense of their talents and importance into focus. Jon Jones, for instance, has a potential date with the winner of Evans-Davis, and Dan Henderson, who has fought Michael Bisping, trained with Chael Sonnen, and who too would like a shot at the champion Jones, could both be valuable in-studio, introducing themselves to the larger network audience, while showing themselves to be erudite, affable, and entertaining,

Another way of utilizing the Fox relationship that has been less than fully-explored is through highlight packages. Fans of mainstream sports are used to seeing 30- or 60-second clips set to music that catch them up on results, while also putting into focus the storylines that they need to be kept appraised of. Fans who would be unwilling to spend three hours watching "no-name" fighters compete on an undercard could be very engaged by a three-minute clip of the most exciting moments of that undercard's results. Viewers who don't feel like hitting up Wikipedia, Sherdog, and YouTube to see the entire body of a fighter's Octagon performances would however respond to a 60-second recap of the essentials of his UFC career, including awesome finishes, flashy offense, and a brief encapsulation of his accomplishments to date. This wouldn't be to set up any future fights, but simply to provide an easily-digestible means of giving the home viewer important information about who the major players in a given division might be. Once the prominent names have been introduced to fans, the next question is whether their potential will be realized. Either way, the fans will be paying attention as that question is answered.

2. Prominence & Ubiquity

Perception is often reality. If you treat someone like A Big Deal, it isn't long before people start to believe that that individual is one. There are now 7 UFC World Champions (soon to be 8), and only a few of them are actually treated like something special. And one of them is GSP, who will be out of sight (and likely out of mind) for the better part of 2012. Being the best fighter in the world at a particular weight class is something to be proud of, yet if the UFC doesn't feature those fighters prominently, then the subtle message being sent is that it's okay to overlook them. Jose Aldo, Dominick Cruz, and Frankie Edgar should be appearing on UFC programming as often as possible; if they aren't exposed, then their top contenders won't be either. And fighters who are expected to be future champions should also be prominently featured.

There are many excuses for putting a promotion's star out at the forefront. A fight in his weight class is being contested, and he could be shown on camera reacting to the fight, or otherwise "scouting" future opposition. Two top 10 contenders do battle, and he could be interviewed cageside to offer his insight into the outcome, and his own assessment of the fighters. Even if he already has a fight booked, commentators should constantly be tying the champion and the most high-profile contenders to the rest of the division, to reinforce the notion that these fighters are A Big Deal, even when a given fight might not appear to be.

3. UFC Primetime

The three-part "UFC Primetime" documentary series has done an amazing job of not only showing the human side of Georges St. Pierre and his challengers BJ Penn, Jake Shields and Dan Hardy, but their larger-than-life qualities as well. Additional series like Cain Velasquez vs. Brock Lesnar and "Rampage" Jackson vs. Rashad Evans managed to cast the struggles between two fighters as something existential, something epic. That's the appeal of the Primetime medium; it adds a level of grandeur and gravitas to a fight, and with very few exceptions, fighters who pass through the series end up bigger stars because of it.

In the coming year, there will be a number of fights that will warrant the Primetime treatment, and although the cost of producing it is a bit on the high side, the potential benefits far outweigh those costs. Four to six Primetime series would run the company four to six million dollars, but considering its capacity to double a potential pay-per-view buyrate, they are investments worth making.

4. The Ultimate Fighter

If UFC Primetime is about a short period of focused and concentrated hype, aided by grandeur and gravitas, then The Ultimate Fighter is its polar opposite. Over 12 weeks, mundane minutae is mined to build a conflict over time to a boiling point. Where Primetime endeavors to make its subjects larger than life, TUF brings them down to the level of reality television stars, at their petty, self-absorbed worst. TUF has a sprawling cast of characters which it introduces to fans, and the twists and turns are meant to keep you coming back each week, as you learn a little bit more about the fighters, and begin to draw your conclusions about who to root for and who to root against. Having said all that, TUF has a track record of success that cannot be denied. Fighters like Forrest Griffin, Josh Koscheck, Chris Leben, Rashad Evans, and Michael Bisping are still defined by the way they came across on the show, for better or worse. And we've seen the coaching stints of BJ Penn, Tito Ortiz, and Matt Hughes turn fan opinion around 180 degrees.

However, recent seasons of The Ultimate Fighter have been met with widespread apathy, even as their ratings have remained relatively stable. It is possible, though, that the format change and relaunch on a new network will rejuvenate the show, and the fan base's opinion of it. If that happens, then we can expect Zuffa to make full use of the show as a tool for introducing up and comers, and stoking the fires on feuds that it feels need just that little bit extra to put them over the top.

5. Sponsorship

The final component is perhaps the most elusive, because it involves Other People's Money. Every major sports league and confederated entity has official sponsorships that it relies upon in a synergistic way to legitimize it and its commercial viability. The stars that appear in such spots are usually chosen by both the leagues and their sponsors, with an eye towards their shared notions of marketability. However, there are other sponsors who have formed relationships with individual athletes separate from any association with the league. While it may be tempting for a UFC fighter to let the organization pursue blue chip sponsorship opportunities, consider the fact that the biggest and most mainstream of Georges St. Pierre's sponsorships -- Gatorade and Under Armour -- were secured not by the Zuffa Publicity Machine, but by GSP's management. Fighters on the verge of stardom need to pursue their own branding initiatives, and Zuffa needs to be supportive of those endeavors, especially without insisting that its brand significance be pushed to the forefront, overshadowing those efforts.

Perhaps the most egregious example of the UFC overshadowing a future star in recent memory is the Bud Light spot featuring Jon Jones, where UFC President Dana White on more than one occasion positioned himself as the Alpha Male, getting the last word in (the catchphrase even), having the camera focus on him, and worst of all, giving the UFC Light Heavyweight Champion the infamous "C'mon Nod," literally leading a man he'd like to one day promote as the Baddest Man on the Planet out of the frame. These are subtleties, but that's precisely what makes them a particularly insidious form of undercutting. The star is the man who commands attention when he enters and leaves a room, not the man who plays wingman to the older bald guy, and responds to the C'mon Nod.

In contrast, commercials featuring Urijah Faber leave no doubt about his star status. He is always the focal point, whether he is promoting the Versus network, No Fear, Amp Energy Drink, or K-Swiss, alongside the Kenny Powers character from the "Eastbound and Down" television series. The consistency with which he is portrayed as a Big Deal mirrors the way that star professional athletes in other sports are treated, and as such, is just as effective at introducing and reinforcing Urijah Faber as Someone to Pay Attention To, i.e., a Star. Again, this is not something that the UFC can always facilitate or dictate, nor should coaching fighters to be media savvy be prioritized above coaching to become better, more well-rounded, fighters. However, those fighters who take the initiative to build their brands, secure national sponsors, and increase their visibility beyond the narrow demographic of fight fans should not be made to feel like they are not team players. Furthermore, those fighters should be embraced as the assets that they are to the promotion. After all, the reach of the Zuffa Promotional Machine only extends so far, and anytime a fighter can expand that reach, profits for the company can be realized. Beyond that, when a UFC fighter becomes a legitimate star, other fighters believe that they can be that next star, which makes it easier to attract and retain top talents, who need the highest-profile stage to realize their star potential.

Perhaps it's only fitting that in 2012, the UFC, untethered to the familiar teat of Spike TV, is not only blazing a new and unfamiliar path forward on Fox, but is also forced to make due without its most dependable PPV draws. This situation has forced them to reevaluate old paradigms, and recognize that this new beginning hungers for new stars to usher the sport forward. The 2012 UFC can discover and develop stars that the 2007 UFC could not. The 2012 UFC can offer its stars the ability to be seen by tens of millions all around the world, and be recognized as legitimate sportsmen. The 2012 UFC can see its stars pitching main stream products, and standing alongside the stars of other sports on equal footing. It’s a New Day, and let’s hope that the UFC’s eyes are wide open to all the ways that they, and the fighters under their banner, can seize it.

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