Straight Talk from UFC Expert: Americans Can Be Arrogant About MMA
"Arrogance prevalent among American MMA fans"
By Michael BauerFacebookTwitterWhatsAppEmailPrintLink copy
The world of Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) is a tough one for fighters, with the UFC being the pinnacle of the sport. Yet, German or European fighters often face an uphill battle to gain entry into the top organizations. And guess who's to blame? An expert weighs in.
Former MMA fighter Din Thomas, now an expert with the UFC and ESPN, sees great potential for untapped talents in Germany. However, he doesn't shy away from pointing fingers at athletes and organizers.
"I love discovering hidden gems," Thomas told ntv.de. "There are many fighters with amazing potential here, you just need to bring them to light and give them a shot." That includes giving these fighters a big stage and the chance to learn, even if they make mistakes.
Thomas has a soft spot for Germany, having spent time in the country as a trainer in 2014 at MMA Spirit in Frankfurt am Main. He was impressed by the "atmosphere, the people, and the hospitality." Since then, he's regularly visited Germany and knows the German MMA scene, thanks to Oktagon. Decent-sized arenas, booming crowds, and a TV product not much different from the UFC's. But what's great in Germany is seemingly overlooked in the USA, according to Thomas. "Americans can be quite arrogant about this," he said. "If something has no connection to the USA, it's second-rate." Thomas, however, is determined to shine a spotlight on the German MMA scene.
The numbers Oktagon delivers are better than in the US, according to Thomas, citing the record-breaking event in Frankfurt Stadium with 58,000 spectators. "That's a start," he said. "But the US market wants to know if the athletes can compete in the top leagues. Until MMA professionals in Germany manage to make the transition, it will be difficult to say: 'This is one of the major organizations.' Once that happens, Oktagon will appear on the MMA map in the USA."
Building Oktagon's standing and reputation in the States requires perseverance, Thomas said. "We've seen how quickly promoters come and go. Success and respect come only after building trust over a long period."
Getting into the UFC or other top US organizations is partly the responsibility of European or German fighters, according to Thomas. They must demonstrate that they can compete at the highest level. US organizations are unlikely to fly in German fighters to fill a slot, but if European fighters are already in the USA, say for training, Thomas suggests they might be considered. Another option is to compete at Cage Warriors or Brave FC, organizations with a presence in the US. Fighting for them is less financially attractive, but it provides a path to the top. Many fighters opt for financial security over the risk of competing where they might not earn as much.
All in all, while specific reasons for American arrogance regarding European MMA remain unclear, the trend seems to be that strong competition, exposure, and cultural factors play a role in the perceived difference between the UFC and European MMA promotions.
"Din Thomas, a UFC and ESPN expert, believes that numerous fighters with immense potential reside in Germany, particularly in the realm of mixed martial arts (MMA). However, he contends that American athletes and organizers often demonstrate arrogance towards MMA from other countries, including Germany, dismissing it as second-rate if it lacks a US connection."
"Thomas asserts that the successful establishment of Oktagon in the US market requires perseverance and building trust over an extended period, as the US market primarily values MMA professionals who can compete at the top leagues."
