View full size photo »

Many fighters believe, rightfully so, that a majority of the fans prefer to watch a stand up war as opposed to skilled competition on the ground.  Wanderlei Silva is a perfect example of a fighter who truly cares about the fans.  However, his best skill set is on his feet.  A more fitting example for this post (I promise I will eventually get to the point) is Jorge Gurgel.  He is a BJJ fighter who has won via submission in 9 of 13 career wins.  He has never knocked anyone out, but he continues to stand and trade with his opponents.  He has not submitted an opponent in 4 years despite that being his strong suit.  He has changed his game to appease the casual fan.  Will something similar happen at UFC 100?

UFC 100 coverage

We not in the casual fan base appreciate the ground game as much as the stand up, but we do not constitute the majority of people watching.  UFC 100 more than any other card in the past will attract the casual fan.  The media attention and promotional power of the UFC will help draw in a lot of first time and still raw viewership.  This is good because it more attention will be paid to the sport (really the UFC though) and can help the sport (ditto) gain more popularity.  However, it also means that the majority of the individuals watching the fight are looking for the pure excitement and primal violence that still brings some people to the sport.  With so many people watching UFC 100 will fighters change their game plan similar to Jorge Grugel to appease the viewers. 

With the maincard, probably not.  Akiyama might want to have an exciting fight because he is new to the promotion, but most Main Card fighters already have a name for themselves or their fights have more immediate importance so they are more concerned with proper strategy. 

With the undercard, YES.  With the exception of the Bonnar vs. Coleman fight I can see every fight changing due to the magnitude of the event.  I do not blame the fighters, but they might be looking at the short term gain over the long term benefits.  To be shown on the telecast for UFC 100 is a huge opportunity to increase name recognition for less known fighters, especially those on the chopping block.  Baring a slick submission the best way to get onto the maincard is a flash KO or stand up battle.  Grice is a wrestler, Gugerty a submission specialist, but I would not be surprised to see both fighters want to stand and throw all day.  Jake O'Brien is wrestler who should want nothing to do except lie on top of Jones, but that will not get him noticed.  T.J. Grant who has strong wrestling and submission skills might try and trade with Kim.  Kim has a little recognition being that this is his fourth fight in the UFC. 

Overall this is a poor idea.  A fighter should stick to his strategy if provides him with the best chance of winning.  If you win you are not going to get cut (if you do not piss off Dana White) and the checks will keep coming.  Risking losses to try and get on the maincard or get the KO/Fight of the Night Bonus is a short term gain.  With wins comes recognition and if it takes time it takes time. 

             -To be fair though I see the gain.  In MMA these fighters do not know when the next paycheck is coming, where their careers will go, or long they will continue to fight.  Dustin Hazelett injury has cost him his income and if it were not for the bonuses he would be struggling right now.  Add this to sponsorship difficulties for undercard fighters and i do understand why fighters might go for broke.

So, when you are watching UFC 100 (before me because I have to record and watch, come on rainout) take notice when that one undercard is broadcast.  Hopefully the fighter who abandons intelligent strategy does not end on the wrong side of KO of the night.