Alexander Gustafsson is not only one of the top must watch talents in the UFC roster, he is one half of the only fight that matters in the organization. If there is any athlete that should be pushed more than MMA's own Viking warrior, please name him because I don't know of any. After almost taking Jon Jones' light heavyweight title in the fight of the year for 2013, Gustafsson is recognized as an elite, top pound for pound fighter.
Withholding an instant rematch against Jones makes sense. Have audiences wanting what they can't have, for at least a while.
Instead he is being matched with another upcoming, must see brawler. A UFC Fight Night main event pitting him against Jimi Manuwa. Without a doubt, if he passes this challenge we will see him stepping in the octagon again, for another grab at the title. Regardless this is a great tango for the UFC to put together.
However, the card is being stuck on their new Fight Pass channel, that is only viewable with a monthly fee. I get it, put on matches people want to see so they will subscribe. The mistake here is Gustafsson, and Manuwa for that matter, still needs a push to really become a bankable star. Facing a credible challenger with an undefeated record, this should be a co-main event on a paramount pay per view (such as Glover Teixeira vs Jon Jones).
The UFC has had trouble building followings for their up and coming athletes lately. Originally this was their forte, that eventually made them a mainstream sport. Imagine if they stuck Chuck Liddell on UFC Fight Pass when he first started making a name for himself, we all would have lost something.
They need to build viewers for their channel obviously, but this isn't the way to do it.
Oh well, let's watch a bit of what Gustafsson will have to deal with, when he steps in the ring with Manuwa. Unfortunately because most of us won't be able to.
Withholding an instant rematch against Jones makes sense. Have audiences wanting what they can't have, for at least a while.
Instead he is being matched with another upcoming, must see brawler. A UFC Fight Night main event pitting him against Jimi Manuwa. Without a doubt, if he passes this challenge we will see him stepping in the octagon again, for another grab at the title. Regardless this is a great tango for the UFC to put together.
The UFC has had trouble building followings for their up and coming athletes lately. Originally this was their forte, that eventually made them a mainstream sport. Imagine if they stuck Chuck Liddell on UFC Fight Pass when he first started making a name for himself, we all would have lost something.
They need to build viewers for their channel obviously, but this isn't the way to do it.
Oh well, let's watch a bit of what Gustafsson will have to deal with, when he steps in the ring with Manuwa. Unfortunately because most of us won't be able to.
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