There are some fighters that fans will always love because they come to battle. Whether they love them or love to hate them, they will always pay to see them fight. The fighters aren’t necessarily “elite” in their division, but they’re guys that are recognized for their blue-collar style. Guys like this just throw the wraps on, tighten up the gloves and wait for the opportunity to hit and be hit.
What keeps these guys trudging through the highs and lows? Is it that they put in the hours and time away from family that makes them give it their all? Is it that they want to be the best of the best? Do they have potential unseen that they are waiting to explode in the next battle? Probably not. Guys like this love to fight.
Do they want to be the best? Absolutely.
No fighter wants to get paid to fight for a .500 average. Fighters have the mentality that they are the best. They believe they can go out and show up any other fighter on any given night.* They have to because their career, pride and, above all else, health depend on it. These fighters are a completely different breed, however. They don’t seem to care about the thrill of the chase. They just want to ruin every opponent’s night.
So without further ado, the qualification system:
- Not in title discussion
- Battle-tested
- Willingness to absorb punishment to deliver punishment
- Name recognition
- Not an “elite” fighter*
* in some cases this means anymore