I really lost interest in UFC when they started having weight classes and time limits. I know they had to clean things up and add rules to go mainstream, but it's a far cry from what it used to be. I like the old format of not knowing who you would be up against. I guess the time limit is what really bugs me. Favors strikers and penalizes grapplers for the most part. It's about the ratings now, since most people don't understand the strategy of grappling/submission and just want to see a brawl. I know I'm generalizing, but for the most part it's true. It seems overcomercialized. Don't even get me started on the "reality" show. I know someone will argue with me, but today it's more about the money and recognition than testing your skill.
I agree to a point. I know others that feel the same way. But there are advantages to the "new" UFC IMO.
As opposed to looking at the time limit as taking away from grapplers, I look at it as forcing the grapplers and strikers alike to add MORE to their game and hold themselves to true MMA.
The time limit, weight classes, and use of gloves, IMO have upped the ante for world class fighters and brought out more talent than any other sport of it's kind.
As far as "overcomercialized"....yeah there are some issues there. The main thing I would like to see is the fighters get $PAID$. Of coarse then, over time, it would wind up with the same corruption as boxing is now (but I don't know if that can ever be stopped). I think that was the main reason that EliteXC went bankrupt. Paying their fighters not use certain techniques for a "better" show.
UFC is still a young sport with a lot of growing to do. It has been, and will be, interesting to see how it progresses.
