The UFC has continued to join the mainstream sports industry through a number of large-scale moves. Its recent partnership with Reebok has created special sponsorship deals for key fighters on its roster. However, as more top-name fighters are selected, it opens up an interesting vein of conversation as to whether or not the sport of MMA is about more than fighting.
According to Fox Sports, Paige VanZant has joined the ranks of UFC fighters who are signed to specialized deals with Reebok. That list includes names such as Jon Jones, Ronda Rousey and Conor McGregor. Yet VanZant‘s signing has created a bit of controversy at this point in time.
VanZant has a 4-1 professional record which includes one appearance in the Octagon. Even though she has such a small body of work compared to other fighters, she was still given an opportunity that many will not see. Some, however, feel the move was justified.
“She has the personality,” UFC President Dana White said during “The Download” on UFC.com. “Some people have that ‘it factor’ that you can’t teach people, and Paige has it.”
Still, this signing does not sit well with everyone in the promotion. Current women’s strawweight champion Carla Esparza is one who has come out against the message that this signing sends.
“If you are asking me if I feel overlooked by the ‘UFC machine’ while Paige seemingly is getting a lot of play, then I would be lying if I said that thought didn’t cross my mind,” Esparza said in a statement to MMA Junkie. “I get that it’s a business and they have their reasons, so I just have to keep doing what I do, and maybe I will feel that recognition soon.”
Esparza is not the only champion who is without a major deal. Demetrious Johnson, Cain Velasquez, Chris Weidman, TJ Dillashaw and Jose Aldo are other title holders that have not inked specific deals. Aldo is in a similar position as Esparza, as another major name in his division, McGregor, was offered a deal before he was; even though Aldo is the longest UFC title holder to date.
VanZant and McGregor both offer a type of appeal that can attract fans more so than the champions within their divisions. Esparza and Aldo are not known for being talkative or attention-grabbing outside of the cage. Deals such as these will continue to go to the fighters who gain the most attention from fight fans while both in and out of competition.
A simple Google search reveals some interesting stats. As of February 17, the term “Paige VanZant” returns 26,000 results while the term “Carla Esparza” returns 5,590. This is an example as to how VanZant is more of an attraction than Esparza, even if she does not have the resume.
Mixed martial arts needs names such as these to continue to attract attention to build bigger fights. While individuals such as Esparza may be upset with the current direction of the sport, it is a necessary evil for the continued growth of the promotion.
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