Chicks Heart Fights

In the discussions I’ve read of this weekend’s fights, I keep reading the same theme. Those who watch Affliction are hardcore MMA fans, those who watch UFC Fight Night are only UFC fans, and not real MMA fans. Can’t a person be both?

I was introduced to MMA through the UFC, and most of my live MMA watching is limited to the UFC. I’ve watched plenty of Fedor on Youtube and DVDs, and am excited to see him fight in a non-circus match-up. On the other hand, I am familiar with many of the other Affliction fighters because of their experience with the UFC. Does that make me a bad MMA fan?

Though Saturday’s UFC fights are hardly blistering match-ups, some great fighters are going to be showcased. No matter who he fights, I always enjoy watching Anderson Silva’s all around dominance. Brandon Vera is in a must-win situation, and I am thrilled to get a chance to watch Cain Velasquez. Does this make me a bad MMA fan?

There is a tendency in the MMA world to vilify the UFC as the Evil Empire, which I guess would make Dana White Darth Vader. And possibly the Fertittas the Emperor, who looked a lot like my great-grandmother. Anyway. The reason that they’ve lasted so long is because no matter what, the product in the Octagon is, by and large, good. Is there anything wrong with an MMA fan watching that product instead of paying for Affliction?

By no means am I saying that the UFC is perfect, and competition is a good thing. Like I said, I am watching both shows this weekend. But can we stop with the subtle digs at the people who don’t?