...OH, ONE MORE THING - PLEASE BOOKMARK US & VISIT DAILY!
By: C.J. Tuttle, MMATorch Columnist
When I woke up this morning and sat down to write my weekly piece, I was suffering from a lack of motivation. Let's face it, unless you are a UFC Tonight analyst being paid to hype the Fuel event this Saturday, you aren't too compelled. This card, paired with an upcoming injury laden UFC 161, have left me with not much to talk about, outside of the stacked UFC on Fox Sports 1 or 2 - or whatever they are calling it now.
Then I opened my e-mail, and came across the same press release from Spike and Bellator that all other MMA reporters received.
Quinton "Rampage" Jackson has signed with the Bellator.
This statement, along with this corny picture, speak a thousand words.
Not only did he sign with the UFC's direct competition, but he has "agreed to a monumental, multi-year partnership with Spike TV, Bellator MMA," and - wait for it - "TNA Wrestling." What does this imply and what does it mean for the landscape of MMA as a whole?
The professional wrestling comparisons to MMA are played out and are usually more speculative than anything, but this deal with a proven draw like "Rampage," means the situation is not going away.
As long as companies are willing to shell out the cash for big names, the names will continue to flock where they are desired. This home now seems to be Bellator. What's most important in this case, though, is that it's not another washed up fighter the UFC no longer wants going out to pasture and playing out the twilight of his career elsewhere.
Randy Couture was the first to cross the line and join forces with Bellator on the new reality show "Fight Master." The UFC Hall of Famer supposedly burned bridges with his former employer by doing so, but he isn't necessarily trying to get in the cage anymore, either.
Bellator must avoid the stigma that Bjorn Rebney, and even more so Dixie Carter (TNA owner), already have, which is signing away anyone the mega powers of the two "sports" - UFC and WWE - no longer wish to do business with.
At first glance this move is exciting; Jackson (32-11) is a formidable fighter, even at the age of 34, and is a name easily recognized by the casual viewer. He has the pedigree and results against other top names that mean people will watch. The pining has also begun to see the inevitable matchup between he and King Mo in the light heavyweight division, or someday for the much maligned TNA Heavyweight Title.
However, the truth is, he just isn't that good anymore. Sure. he will run through the tournament format, and I'm positive he will pop a rating for Spike, but in the long run this is another ploy for the short term, and almost unavoidably going to end up badly. Also, the question becomes, is this deal mainly focused on Bellator, or a deal with Viacom as a whole to push Jackson?
Rampage is not the type of fighter you put as the face of your company; easily angered and disgruntled, Jackson has a history of not being content with his employers. No other example is needed than his recent exploits with UFC or foray into bad movies (by the way, how long until A-Team is on Spike?).
You add this dynamic ego to a company currently dealing with a situation of their own in Eddie Alvarez, and it makes for a less than perfect setting. The company should be putting more attention towards signings like Bubba Jenkins, and fighter's with a future in the sport.
I do like the fact that Bellator is out pounding the pavement, looking to sign away proven stars and upcoming prospects, but the partnership with TNA is a disaster. I'm aware the shows both air on Spike and both (kind of sort of) are the same in respect to drawing the violence loving 18–34 year-old male demographic.
Aside from this, nothing about TNA is positive; everything screams passé, washed up and not successful. This is not an opinion, it is fact. A company in 2013 revolving around Hulk Hogan is enough to prove this point. So what drove this move? A few fights in Bellator, money, or a full blown pro wrestling career? I'm positive it's a little of all three. Sure, Jackson wears a chain around his neck similar to members of TNA's major stable "Aces & Eights," but other than that I don't see a serious MMA fighter being successful "wrasslin'" at the same time.
This goes a long way in discrediting Bellator and what they are hoping to attain: widespread recognition as the leading competitor to the UFC. They should be doing everything in their power to build themselves up along with the prestige of their titles. The addition of Jackson is a step in the right direction, but the partnership with the lackluster wrestling promotion makes the signing a wash.
UFC leaving Spike was the best thing they could have ever done. While I am not saying Bellator should do this, marketing their newest marquee fighter as a crossover professional wrestler cannot be the best marketing strategy. Have they not heard of Bobby Lashley, Adam "Pacman" Jones, Jenna Morasca, or even the much hyped debut of King Mo? All failed in the easygoing world of pro wrestling. To be associated with this, in the much more cutthroat realm of MMA, could be more detrimental than successful and lead to the worst possible scenario. The UFC has come out looking like not re-signing Quinton "Rampage" Jackson was a good decision, not a loss of talent to Bellator.
COMMENTS? RANTS? c.j.tuttle@me.com @kidceej
(Attention MMATorch app users: Make sure to upgrade to the latest edition of the MMATorch app on your iPhone, iPad, or Android device!)
Jamie Penick, editor-in-chief
(mmatorcheditor@gmail.com)
STAFF COLUMNISTS: Shawn Ennis - Jason Amadi
Frank Hyden - Rich Hansen
Chris Park - Matt Pelkey
Interested in joining MMATorch's writing team? Send idea for a theme to your column (for Specialist section) or area of interest (i.e. TV Reporter) along with a sample of writing to mmatorch@gmail.com.
