Superfights.
It’s something that has been talked about since the sport of mixed martial arts first came to be.
However, discussions of potential superfights have since escalated into an actual reality in which the UFC has deeply considered them.
It’s rare a day goes by when fans aren’t hyping up the future showdown between Anderson Silva and Georges St-Pierre.
And of course the latest and the greatest, Silva versus Jon “Bones” Jones.
With the massive increase in popularity, the UFC is rapidly approaching the mainstream and has found themselves surrounded in a world with fans who desire to see the best possible matchups at all costs.
While giving the fans what they desire is certainly a goal of the UFC, it’s only to some extent.
When the rubber meets the road, it’s likely that the highly talked about “superfights” could do more harm to the organization than good.
Why?
Risk and reward.
If the UFC decides to give the fans what they want, they’ll certainly see record numbers begin to soar, but the question is, for how long?
Giving the fans what they want will provide short-term satisfaction but will ultimately be the downfall of the UFC’s future.
Allowing a specific fighter such as Silva to change weight classes and join the light heavyweight division will without a doubt produce temporary results.
However, with Silva making the transition to the 205-pound weight class, the light heavyweight division benefits, but the middleweight division suffers.
No longer will the middleweight division be represented by one of the world’s greatest fighters.
Instead, two of the UFC’s top artists will now be fighting at the very same weight.
The same scenario could be used if Silva were to stay put and St-Pierre were to put on addition weight and move to the middleweight division.
Now, the UFC has a dilemma with two of the UFC’s best fighters fighting for one belt while the welterweight division will be the one to lose out.
Also, what happens when the superfights are done and over with?
Will the fighters who changed weight classes move back to their previous divisions or will they stay put?
While superfights are certainly a draw to many fans, the long-term effects aren’t worth entertaining short-term pleasure.
Superfights really aren’t that super.
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