MMA Expert Din Thomas on the Arrogance of Americans in the UFC Scene
By Michael Bauer
Americans often exhibit an overbearing sense of self-confidence in Mixed Martial Arts circles.
In the realm of Mixed Martial Arts (MMA), reaching the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) is a monumental achievement. European fighters, however, often find themselves struggling to make it to the top organization. According to former MMA fighter and current UFC and ESPN expert, Din Thomas, it's largely the Americans who stand in their way.
Currently, there are only a handful of German fighters who have managed to crack the top of the MMA scene in major organizations like the UFC. Thomas noted that many German fighters possess hidden potential, but they need a break and a chance to showcase their skills, as well as the opportunity to make mistakes.
Din Thomas, an expert for the UFC and ESPN, keeps a close eye on MMA in Europe and Germany. He sees immense, untapped talents waiting to be discovered, but he also criticizes both athletes and promoters for their roles in limiting these talents' growth.
Germany, Thomas acknowledges, boasts a thriving MMA scene, thanks to the sold-out arenas and widespread TV coverage provided by Oktagon. The product offered by Oktagon is virtually indistinguishable from that of the UFC. However, the US market remains unimpressed, with Americans often displaying an arrogant indifference towards anything that doesn’t have a direct connection to the United States. Thomas defies this mindset, believing in shining a spotlight on the German MMA scene.
Thomas points out that Oktagon's numbers surpass those of the US, citing the record-breaking event in Frankfurt's stadium that drew in 58,000 spectators. As American viewers question the competitiveness of German fighters in the top leagues, Thomas asserts that Oktagon will only gain recognition once German MMA professionals start making their mark in the US.
Establishing a league's standing requires perseverance, Thomas emphasizes, as he has witnessed countless promoters rise and fall. Only through building trust and credibility over an extended period can success and respect be achieved.
European fighters bear some responsibility for their lack of representation in the US organizations, claims Thomas. US organizations would not bring in a German fighter as a substitute, but if the MMA professionals were already in the US for training, they could potentially be placed in a fight. Another avenue for German fighters is competing in Cage Warriors or Brave FC, both recognized organizations in the US. Unfortunately, the financial rewards are minimal, tempting many fighters to opt for more lucrative opportunities, despite the risks involved.
- Despite the thriving MMA scene in Germany, as evident in the record-breaking event in Frankfurt's stadium, the US market remains unimpressed, with Americans often displaying an arrogant indifference towards anything not directly connected to the United States, according to UFC and ESPN expert Din Thomas.
- Din Thomas, the expert for the UFC and ESPN, believes that the German MMA scene will only gain recognition in the US once German MMA professionals start making their mark in American organizations, such as Cage Warriors or Brave FC.
