Should the UFC make events all one weight class?

El Guapo!

I was thinking about this earlier today.
Does anybody else think it might make sense to have each event consist of fights within the same weight class?

I think it might help the divisions move along a bit smoother. In theory, it would mean all the fighters have the same amount of time to heal and recuperate and they'll all be ready to fight again around the same time. Of course this wont always be true because fighters will get injured in training etc but it could help a bit.

As well as that, it might make it easier for fans to keep track of what's happening in each division and have a better understanding of rankings etc when an event is finished. At the end of each event there could be a segment where analysts discuss how the results affect the rankings and the landscape within the division. I think that would be a good feature to have after an event and we could review the aftermath of it and discuss future match ups etc.

I think the only downfall of this system might be a bit of a biggie though.
It could possibly turn some fans away from certain events. A lot of people might not like watching the lighter weights, or some might have no interest in heavyweights for example. This could reduce the ppv buys of an event and that would be a big no-no for the UFC.

But maybe if they mixed each event they could avoid this problem. Lets say they had one event consisting of Bantamweight and Light Heavyweights. And the next is maybe Welterweights and Middleweights or something.
If they split an event between a lighter weight and a heavier weight it might not have an effect on the viewer numbers.

Does anybody else think that would be a good way to hold events? Or is the current system of a mixed bag of fights the best way to go?

califano

El Guapo! wrote: »

I think the only downfall of this system might be a bit of a biggie though.
It could possibly turn some fans away from certain events. A lot of people might not like watching the lighter weights, or some might have no interest in heavyweights for example.

This. But also you wont have enough cream in one weight division to have more than a couple important/interesting fights as theres usually only 3-4 main contenders at each particular weight. Less anticipation too.

TherapyBoy

Another advantage would be moving fighters/fights around if there's an injury to someone on the card.
I think it'd be an interesting idea for them to try out. Would make each event like a mini rankings tournament!

El Guapo!

rounders123 wrote: »

This. But also you wont have enough cream in one weight division to have more than a couple important/interesting fights as theres usually only 3-4 main contenders at each particular weight. Less anticipation too.

That's why I think maybe splitting an event might be a better option so they're not packed with fights that don't interest people.
And they could cap off the event with maybe a title fight from a either one of the weight classes or from a totally seperate weight class altogether.
I just think it might make things look a bit more organised for the fans and they can get a good grasp of the division after the event.

califano

El Guapo! wrote: »

That's why I think maybe splitting an event might be a better option so they're not packed with fights that don't interest people.
And they could cap off the event with maybe a title fight from a either one of the weight classes or from a totally seperate weight class altogether.
I just think it might make things look a bit more organised for the fans and they can get a good grasp of the division after the event.

Sorry missed your initial point about splitting an event, yeah maybe. Just playing devils advocate but it might demotivate fighters from different weight classes in that that say ''well i know i cant be in the next ufc or the next etc as thats not my weight, ill have to wait for such an such a date until my weight class comes around and thats not till next fricken august''. Thats not withstanding those that arent picked to fight even when their weight class eventually comes around!. At least when its fully mxed theres they anticipation in each fighter that the can expect to get the call anytime soon.

El Guapo!

rounders123 wrote: »

Sorry missed your initial point about splitting an event, yeah maybe. Just playing devils advocate but it might demotivate fighters from different weight classes in that that say ''well i know i cant be in the next ufc or the next etc as thats not my weight, ill have to wait for such an such a date until my weight class comes around and thats not till next fricken august''. Thats not withstanding those that arent picked to fight even when their weight class eventually comes around!. At least when its fully mxed theres they anticipation in each fighter that the can expect to get the call anytime soon.

That's a fair point.
I suppose I'm just saying a little bit more structure to the events wouldn't go amiss.
I think it could do with a bit more structure to give us more of a picture of who's next in line for a shot or who's in what position in the rankings etc. The way the title contenders are picked seems random at best and a little bit more transparency woul be good for the fans I think.

dave1982

I'd like to see mini tournaments like we just had at UFC 158 which would lead to a NO 1 contenders fight.

Mellor

El Guapo! wrote: »

In theory, it would mean all the fighters have the same amount of time to heal and recuperate and they'll all be ready to fight again around the same time.

I don't think that would work out. Each weight would have a turn every 3 months it so. Not every rostered fighter could be on every card at his weight. So so e would be waiting 3 months, and others 6.

I do think regular events with entire main cards are a great way to sort out divisions but I'd rather see then every few months rather than every event.

calex71

They should never have done away with wec, we are beginning/ have seen from the 1st event since then the problems.

WEC was fine as it was , I can understand UFC wanting some of those fights on it's cards but to be fair if a "fan" dismisses those weight classes on a WEC they do not deserve to see them on a UFC one. The problem was lack of promotion of Zuffa's part regards WEC when they took it over.

Now I realize had it remained the same wec lads would be deprived paydays and audiences but really at what cost? they get viewed as inferior like the lower weights in boxing do etc.

IMO had they kept wec as was and sold it over here so we could watch / pay to watch it legit it might have been better, I know 9/10 those card would have been better value for money than a UFC one the following week.