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BOLD OR BUST: Quick pros and cons of the way UFC introduced the women's division in the UFC
May 11, 2013 - 1:29:00 PM BOLD OR BUST: Quick pros and cons of the way UFC introduced the women's division in the UFC

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By Jonathan Sapp, MMATorch guest writer

In February 2013 the UFC held its first women’s title fight. For some, this was a brilliant move that attracted a broader audience and further legitimized MMA. For others, this move commercialized the sport and chipped away at the UFC’s roots: male v. male fighting, modern gladiator-style.

For years Dana White adamantly argued against a women’s division in the UFC because of the lack of depth in a female division. However, after the UFC President stumbled upon a new gem in Ronda Rousey, he backtracked and made her fight against Liz Carmouche the headliner of UFC 157. This was a mistake by the UFC.

For those who remember Chuck Liddell’s rise to stardom, it was a beautiful sight to see. By watching Liddell knockout whoever was in his way and build himself into one of the most dominant and ferocious UFC knockout artists we’ve ever seen, the fans grew attached to him. The fans started rooting for him to get his shot at the title and prevail.

The UFC could have built Rousey into an even bigger star by letting the audience witness her scratch and claw all the way to UFC greatness. The first women’s fight should have been near the bottom of the pay-per-view card, not being the main event.

Yeah, the pay-per-view drew a decent buyrate, but the UFC is out of luck with the limited star power in the women’s division.

UFC has now taken a positive step. The next Ultimate Fighter will allow fans to witness the rise of female fighters, similar to a number of TUF alum who have gone on to hold titles, compete for titles, or work PPV events.

This is a better move by the UFC and is what seals the deal on making the women’s weight division in the UFC a bold, intelligent move. The new division attracts a larger audience, further legitimizes the sport (most major sports have female divisions/organizations), and finally, it simply makes the UFC even more profitable.

Jonathan’s Conclusion: Bold Move

(Website visitors, comment below. Has UFC's introduction of women fighters been a Bold Move or a Bust?)