Believe it or not, MMA fans are a very sensitive bunch.
There was a bit of an uproar when the UFC theme music was replaced by the FOX anthem. They shook their heads when the fighter’s twitter handle started to appear under his win-loss record upon entering the Octagon. Some are still upset that the UFC brought in Brock Lesnar and gave him a title shot after only three professional fights.
All of these things pale in comparison to the irritation MMA fans show when the camera zooms in on a celebrity sitting cage side.
MMA evolved from a world away from the trendy glitz and glamour of tabloids, and most fans of the sport would rather not see the two cross with each other.
We’re familiar with the regulars, Michael Clarke Duncan and Kevin James. Those two have been seen at seemingly every UFC event over the last decade. Is Duncan known for anything besides The Green Mile yet?
I don’t mind seeing Duncan and James at the events. They were there before the sport really trekked into the mainstream, and although their stars have fallen over the years, they are very knowledgeable of the sport.
What made me cringe was the red carpet show FOX put on before the Velasquez-Dos Santos fight late last year. It always appears that these D-list celebrities are showing up more for the free tickets than they are for the sport.
In talking with other MMA fans, there is something about seeing Paris Hilton, Justin Bieber, or Mandy Moore that gives the sport a cheapened feel to it. But does it bring in new viewers?
Celebrity MMA fans do serve a purpose. They help dispel the notion that the sport is only for men who enjoy street fighting. Yes, if you venture outside of your MMA bubble, you will find that the stereotypes of MMA are still there.
At times celebrities can be very annoying, but as long as you are secure with where you stand as an MMA fan, there is no reason why seeing them on camera at MMA events should bother you.
Celebrities will ultimately bring in a few casual fans to the sport and help shape the image that MMA is for more than just the 18-49 male demographic.
Just one request…please no Kathy Griffin.
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