Telling it Like It Is: UFC Guru Thomas Spills the Tea on MMA Arrogance
"In the world of Mixed Martial Arts, an air of American arrogance often prevails"
By Mike BFacebook | Twitter | Whatsapp | E-Mail | Print | Copy Link
The road to the pinnacle of Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) isn't a walk in the park. Once you've reached the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), you're among the best in the game. However, European warriors often find it a struggle to ascend to the top, and it's all thanks to (or on) the Americans, claims an industry authority.
There's a scarcity of German fighters or those hailing from Germany gracing the premier ranks of MMA organizations such as the UFC currently. According to Din Thomas in a chat with ntv.de, there are valid reasons for this situation. He sees immense potential in the German market but also calls out the athletes and organizers for falling short.
The Scoop on Germany's MMA BoomThomas is a UFC and ESPN expert, keeping a keen eye on the MMA landscape in Europe and Germany. "I've got a yen for untapped talent," he stated. "There are many fighters here who have what it takes, it just needs to be uncovered and given a break." That implies offering these fighters the big stage, but also the chance to make mistakes. The 48-year-old has a soft spot for Germany. After a prolonged stint as a coach at MMA Spirit in Frankfurt am Main in 2014, he developed an appreciation for "the vibe and the people, the hospitality." Ever since, Thomas has been making regular treks to Germany, aware of the grand stage for MMA offered through Oktagon. Packed arenas, thousands of spectators, and a TV product hardly dissimilar to that of the UFC. However, there are reasons why such a phenomenal product in Germany falters to capture U.S. attention. "For some reason, Americans can be pretty smug about this," Thomas opined. "If it's not connected to the USA, it's second-rate. I don't buy into that, and I feel compelled to shed some light on what's happening here."
The figures that Oktagon racks up surpass those in the U.S., Thomas points out, reminiscing the record event in Frankfurt's stadium featuring 58,000 fans. "That's a good start. But the U.S. market wants to know: Can the athletes compete in the top leagues? Until that transition of European MMA pros happens, it will be tough to say: 'This is one of the major organizations.'" Once that shift occurs, Oktagon will also appear on America's MMA radar.
Live events and highlights of Oktagon MMA ...... can be found on RTL+.
Gaining that elite status requires determination from Oktagon. "We've witnessed how swiftly organizers rise and fall. Only if you've built trust over a considerable period will success and respect follow," Thomas noted.
Advancing to the UFC or other significant U.S. organizations, "is partly the responsibility of European or German fighters," Thomas reiterated. No U.S. organization would fly in a German fighter as a substitute. But if the MMA warriors are already in the U.S. for training, they could be placed there. Another option is to compete in Cage Warriors or Brave FC. Both organizations are recognized in the U.S. "Competing there may not be financially enticing. That's a gamble many are willing to take, opting to compete where they earn more dough."
Sources: ntv.de
- Mixed Martial Arts
- Ultimate Fighting Championship
- USA
- Germany
Enrichment Insights:
- The Challenge for European Fighters: European fighters may face fewer opportunities and challenges when trying to break into the top ranks of MMA organizations like the UFC due to perceived American dominance and arrogance.
- German MMA Market Potential: There is a robust pool of untapped MMA talent in Germany, but the lack of opportunities prevents it from being fully realized.
- Importance of Building Trust: For organizations like Oktagon to earn a standing among major U.S. MMA organizations, they must first build trust over an extended period.
- European Fighters' Role: European or German fighters play a crucial role in securing a spot in major U.S. MMA organizations like the UFC by showcasing their skills and competing at the highest level.
- Second-Tier Status: European MMA scenes may suffer from a second-tier status due to the perceived dominance and arrogance of American fighters and organizations. This can hinder growth and exposure.
- Despite the rich potential for Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) in Germany, the lack of German fighters in premier MMA organizations like the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) is a concern, as Thomas, a UFC and ESPN expert, believes European warriors often struggle to ascend to the top due to the dominance of American athletes and organizers.
- According to Thomas, for Oktagon, a German MMA organization, to gain elite status and appear on America's MMA radar, determining factors include demonstrating that their athletes can compete in top leagues and building trust over an extended period with major U.S. MMA organizations like the UFC.
