UFC
Tito Ortiz thinks the UFC is "going to crumble from inside"
Jul 29, 2015 - 10:30:28 AM Tito Ortiz thinks the UFC is "going to crumble from inside"

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By: Jamie Penick, MMATorch Editor-in-Chief

"It's just a matter of time. Rome crumbles from inside and that's what they're going to do. They're going to crumble from inside. They're their worst enemies. I could just sit back and nobody is gonna talk trash about Dana, talk trash about the UFC. I'll let them do their own damage... I really think UFC has made it [boring] for MMA. You just see the same stuff. It's cookie cutter. The same stuff over and over. Now that Reebok has been a part of their sponsorship, it's cookie cutter. Bellator has taken a step forward in giving the fans what they want to see and that's exciting fights, not only in mixed martial arts and now kickboxing... [Fans] want to see the spectacle. I remember from the very beginning when I walked out at UFC 140 when we had the big lights, the flames, everything. Fans want to see entertainment. That's why they tune into professional wrestling. You get the reality with professional fighting. That's what Scott Coker is bringing with Bellator."

-Tito Ortiz levies his latest criticisms towards the UFC during a media day for Bellator's Sept. 19 "Dynamite" event (via MMAFighting.com).

Penick's Analysis: There's some merit to this take, and it's why there's been a lot of negativity over the last several months. Of course, the UFC has been making some production tweaks, making a few events feel bigger than others, and they're for the most part still presenting the best fighters facing their best opposition in some fantastic fights. Now, the spectacle aspect is certainly something that's been lacking with how much there is and with the Reebok deal giving a very real "sameness" feel; that's where Bellator is an attractive alternative for many fans, at least for the "tentpole" shows with the bigger stage walkouts and all of the bells and whistles added. Still, I don't think the UFC is in danger of "crumbling" at any point in the near future. They have to continue evolving, and they may need to make some changes to the way certain things are done, but those hoping to see their demise are being far too optimistic on it actually happening.