Tricky blend in finding the right fit for all fighters

No matter where you turn in the business of mixed martial arts, you’re bound to hear criticism.

In most cases that actually means you’re doing things right, because if you were doing it all wrong, the feedback tends to be far less emotional. Do it right, and the naysayers, who pretty much have nothing better to do in their lives besides criticize from their basement, come out of the woodwork spouting off all for the sake of hearing themselves ramble on.

So when things change in the Maximum Fighting Championship it’s very likely that there will be criticism from afar. Of late one of the biggest changes in the MFC is the fact that while the talent level on the cards has exponentially has grown in the past 12 months (especially on the televised portion of the shows), there are fewer and fewer homegrown fighters being seen.

It’s true. 100% true … and for good reason. Nine years ago when the MFC was in its infancy and facing a tremendous uphill climb for recognition in the suddenly blooming world of MMA, the organization relied on young fighters, many of whom were making their debuts in the professional ranks, and fighters from nearby gyms and local towns.

Those days are over. Now you are seeing the MFC reaching an apex and the fighters are more and more seasoned and worldly than the bunch of backyarders who dominated the cards for a long time. The shows are now featured on international television which means when the world is watching you have to appeal to the world at large. So you go out and book Paul Daley, John Alessio, Bryan Baker, Solomon Hutcherson, Derrick Noble, Antonio McKee and others who have worldly talent and worldly appeal.

But criticism comes from those who are still looking for the next local hero to step up. Yes, Ryan Ford is currently that guy but until he gets a belt around his waist, he won’t be duly recognized as an international fighter. He’ll remain the best of the local bunch. Not that that is a bad thing but take a step back for a moment. You can’t build a promotion around one fighter nor can you build a promotion around hoping/praying/falsely branding that the next kid that steps up from the local gym is going to be a main event fighter.

To be big time you have to think big time and that means building the organization as a whole rather than in tiny parts. That being said, the “local” fighters are not being ignored as some are thinking. First off, look at the undercards of the past recent shows and the upcoming MFC 20 lineup. This is where the “local” fighters are getting their due – an opportunity to be impressive and work their way up to the main TV card.

Some fighters have had their shot on the main card and some have done well but as the MFC shows get bigger and better, those same fighters need to realize that they are not quite at that level – at least not yet. And as I’ve stated in previous columns, it’s not always just about talent. Fighters – local or not – have to bring more than just the ability to hit a guy on the chin or slap on a slick armbar. They have to bring that element of charisma as well that if they are put under the spotlight or even get a title shot. They have to have that quality about them that makes people want to watch them fight. Being a boring champ just doesn’t cut it anymore especially in an era when the world of MMA has meshed with rock-star imagery.

Part of the MFC’s mission to push the younger, developing talent is also coming from its off-shoot branch called Heat XC which makes its debut on Jan. 30. The entire card is made up of up-and-coming fighters and the majority are of the “local” variety so their fans get a chance to see their heroes in a show with all the bright lights and atmosphere. The top Heat fighters may very well get the opportunity to hit the MFC main stage.

At the same time the MFC has not gone overboard in overselling the big names. Where you see that taking place is in the over-puffed hype that is Affliction. Yes they are out there in a big way thanks in large part to being a one-fighter promotion (Fedor) and with a couple of big-money names backing them at least to some degree (Donald Trump and Oscar de la Hoya). But how long before their balloon completely pops? I don’t think the wait will be very long.

This company has sold its soul when it comes to banking on names – and in an overwhelming pattern of banking on names that have seen their best days a long time ago. Where do you go with Vitor Belfort, Matt Lindland, Babalu and others who’ve been outcaste from other organizations, priced themselves into a realm of the unthinkable, and don’t have much of a shelf-life beyond the next year or so at most.

It’s a delicate blend that has to take place to make it right. A recipe that while flexible is also quite particular in its ingredients. Too much of one thing – either way - and you’re doomed.

GETTING CLOSER: It’s a little less than a month before MFC 20: Destined for Greatness and I’m getting more and more interested in the MFC lightweight title fight between Antonio McKee and Derrick Noble. Like many, I’m wondering what the “new” McKee looks like and I’m certainly hoping that his own talk about being a more aggressive and becoming more of an action fighter is truly the way he’ll go about his business. Noble was so impressive at MFC 19 with a dynamic combination of standup and ground skills. It definitely has the makings of a superb title fight.

HAD TO LAUGH: Based on the title of his column, I guess this would be my turn to criticize. Under normal circumstances, I don’t like to poke fun at fighters because they are a brave breed and do things that the normal man like myself can’t pull off. But I had to laugh recently when a former MFC title-holder proclaimed that after winning a fight on a small boxing card against a very minor-league opponent he would soon have to make a decision about continuing on in boxing or preparing himself for a return to the UFC. I had to wonder (after falling over in laughter) if Dana White or Joe Silva were going to be banging on the door of a guy who was 0-2 in the UFC (and fighting in a stacked division and looking terrible in his last outing) and was subsequently also roundly spanked when he was dethroned for his MFC crown.