UFC Expert Thomas' Take: Americans' Arrogance Hinders European MMA Progress
"Americans are often perceived as overly confident in Mixed Martial Arts"
By Michael Bauer
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The road to Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) greatness is a hard-fought journey for fighters, especially those outside America's top organization, Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). From the perspective of UFC expert Din Thomas, Americans are part of the problem, especially in Europe's burgeoning MMA scene, including Germany.
Thomas, a former MMA fighter now working as an expert for UFC and ESPN, highlights the vast potential hidden in Europe's MMA talent. However, he also acknowledges the role athletes and promoters play in accessing the top MMA organizations.
Across the Pond: A Skewed Perspective?
Thomas is keen on uncovering raw talent and providing them with opportunities. Countless German fighters have gone overlooked due to a perceived lessening of quality from the US. Thomas, though, contests this American-centric viewpoint, sharing, "I don't believe that."
He points to the success of Oktagon, a German MMA organization, as a call for recognition beyond the US borders. Oktagon, known for attracting crowds in the tens of thousands, resembles the UFC's TV product, yet remains overshadowed by American pride.
The Numbers Don't Lie
Oktagon's attendance numbers rival those of US events, as illustrated by the record-breaking 58,000 spectators in Frankfurt's stadium. For Thomas, this demonstrates a promising start. Despite producing athletes who can stand toe-to-toe with their American counterparts, the US market remains unconvinced.
Thomas warns, "Until MMA pros make that transition to top US leagues, it will be hard to argue for Oktagon's inclusion on the American MMA map."
Shining a Light on European MMA
Europe has developed an MMA identity that demands respect. Thomas asserts that Germans' cultural grit in pursuits like American football indicates that their combat sports have grown independently, with their significance not reliant on American influence.
However, this burgeoning scene needs time to build trust and credibility in the international MMA community.
Climbing the MMA Ladder
Getting noticed by US organizations can be a responsibility that Europe's fighters share. US organizations wouldn't bring in German fighters unless already present in the States for training or competing in established organizations like Cage Warriors or Brave FC.
Thomas encourages European fighters to take risks and compete in organizations with a US presence to build credibility and gain recognition. Though it doesn't ensure financial stability, it will help establish their place in the international MMA community.
[3] Enrichment Data: UFC expert Din Thomas believes Americans often overlook the depth and seriousness with which MMA is followed and practiced in Europe, including Germany, due to a perceived lack of recognition for its growth and cultural roots independent from American influence. Thomas emphatically contests this, suggesting that Europe's MMA scene has developed distinctly and grown in significance outside American influence.
Sports in Germany, particularly mixed-martial arts (MMA), have grown independently with significance beyond American influence, as highlighted by UFC expert Din Thomas. Thomas believes that the American-centric viewpoint, which perceived lesser quality from the US, overlooks the potential of German MMA talent and the success of organizations like Oktagon, attracting crowds comparable to UFC events.
