Hall of Fame: The mere words elicit images of grandstanding champions dominating their respective sports.
Through any and all means, each athlete worthy of such honorable mention must have broken records in a manner iconic of his or her sport. Definitive and declarative, entry into this upper echelon ought to be beyond argument.
Or so it should be.
Yet the UFC Hall of Fame is often discussed for all the wrong reasons. Debates and disagreements are sparked when certain UFC veterans are mentioned—in some cases the concern is over those who have not received their just recognition, whereas in others, the commotion revolves around names that have received far too much of it.
What specific accomplishments does a fighter need to gain entry? Championships in multiple weight classes? An undisclosed number of consecutive victories? Philanthropic efforts to promote the sport both inside the cage and out of it?
It’s unlikely that we’ll pacify all involved by continuing to induct fighters without an open standard. On the contrary, the UFC brass need to outline a firm set of criteria for induction into the Hall of Fame.
There are plenty of reasons that could make the list, but let’s examine the most crucial ones.