Straight-Shootin' MMA Insights from UFC Expert: "Americans Can Be Downright Arrogant About Fightin' MMA"
In the realm of Mixed Martial Arts, some Americans may exhibit an overconfident and dismissive attitude.
By Michael Bauer
When you're scrappin' your way to the top of MMA, it ain't easy. Once you hit the UFC, you're with the combat cream of the crop. But, European fighters often bump their heads on the glass ceiling, and an UFC expert has some thoughts on why that's the case.
There's not many German fighters grindin' it out at the top of MMA organizations like the UFC these days. That's down to a few good reasons, says UFC expert Din Thomas to ntv.de. He reckons there's some untapped talent in Germany, but he's not shy about callin' out the athletes and organizers for their share of the blame.
Pointing the Finger
Sports Cage fightin' ain't for the mainstream, but MMA's got a second chance in Germany. Thomas's bird's-eye view on MMA in Europe and Germany gives him a keen ear for untapped talent. "I just like uncoverin' diamonds in the rough," he says. But it ain't just about givin' 'em a stage, it's about lettin' 'em make some mistakes, too. The 48-year-old's got a special connection with Germany, havin' spent some time trainin' at MMA Spirit in Frankfurt in 2014. He dug the vibe and the folks, callin' it "a community of hospitality." Ever since, he's been makin' regular trips to Germany, where he's spotted the big stage thanks to Oktagon. Stadiums sellin' out, crowds of thousands, and a TV product that don't lag behind the UFC.
But, why don't those game-changin' numbers translate to the U.S.? Thomas calls it "straight-up arrogance." Somehow, Americans just can't seem to swallow the idea that there's something worthy of their consideration if it ain't connected to the U.S. And Thomas ain't buyin' it. "I feel compelled to shine a light on what's happenin' here," he says.
The Numbers Don't Lie
Thomas's got a point: Oktagon's puttin' up numbers that outrank those in the U.S. He's talkin' 'bout the record-breakin' event in Frankfurt's stadium with 58,000 spectators. "That's a step forward," he says, "but the U.S. market wants more. They wanna see if our athletes can hang with the best. Until we've got some more MMA pros makin' the grade, it'll be tough to say: 'This is one of the big organizations'." Once that shift happens, Oktagon'll likely start showin' up on the U.S. MMA map.
Climbin' the Ladder
Ain't nothin' easy when it comes to breakin' through in the UFC. Oktagon's got to prove itself, and that takes time and consistent effort. "We've seen too many organizers come and go," says Thomas. "But if you establish trust over the long haul, success and respect are guaranteed."
But it ain't just on Oktagon to make this happen. It's also on the European fighters to step up and make a name for themselves. USA organizations ain't gonna fly in a German fighter for some filler fight. But if they're already in the U.S. for trainin', they might get a shot. Another route is fightin' in Cage Warriors or Brave FC. Both organizations already have some reputation south of the border, even if their purses don't exactly measure up. But many fighters are willing to take that risk.
In the end, European fighters got to show 'em what they've got if they wanna break through the UFC's stronghold on the MMA scene. And it ain't gonna be easy, but Thomas reckons it's possible. "I've seen too many European fighters come up from the underground and make a name for themselves," he says. "It's just a matter of time, talent, and perseverance."
Mixed martial arts (MMA) has a chance to flourish more in Germany, as UFC expert Din Thomas notes; however, the United States market remains skeptical, showing a 'straight-up arrogance' towards MMA events not originating from the USA.
Despite the stronghold of the UFC, Thomas believes that European fighters have the potential to make their mark in US organizations, suggesting that they build their reputation through platforms like Cage Warriors or Brave FC, and by showcasing their talent and perseverance.
