5 Biggest Problems With MMA Today (& How To Fix Them)

Everyone who loves MMA has their own share of criticisms of the sport. It’s rare to find anyone who doesn’t have at least one major complaint about the state of modern MMA, but most people have a few ideas of how UFC and other fighting promotions could improve overall.

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Some of the biggest problems in MMA have gone on for decades, and it sometimes seems like they’ll never be fixed. While some issues have been addressed, not everyone is always thrilled with the way issues have been tackled. While there’s no way to enact a simple fix to a major problem, there are a few ways to at least begin drifting toward a permanent solution to a longstanding complaint.

10 Problem: Weight Cutting Complications

While issues with weight cuts don’t come up every day, they continue to be a dangerous part of MMA. For those that don’t know, some fighters will aim for huge weight cuts during training camps in order to fight in divisions that are well below their natural weight for some kind of advantage.

While that may not sound bad, cutting weight often comes with severe dehydration, so an already stressed body is taking a ton of punishment. Many fighters end up in the hospital from heavy cuts, and in some circumstances, fighters have had organs fail.

9 Fix: Discourage Dangerous Weight Cuts

It should be said that most weight cuts are dangerous due to the nature of them. While there may not be a way to stop them thanks to perceived advantages that can be gained, MMA companies should take a public stance to discourage particularly dangerous weight cuts, potentially even including purse repercussions

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There are many UFC fighters who fight because they love it, but many of those fighters acknowledge that they also fight so that they can be in a place to never need to fight again. Open discouragement and potential purse reductions may keep those from thinking twice about extreme cuts.

8 Problem: USADA Suspensions

Depending on the kind of MMA fan any given person is, they’ll either love or hate USADA. Many think it helps to improve the quality of fighting thanks to having a way to detect potential cheaters, but others argue that their testing and suspensions have been too harsh for far too little.

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Luckily, over the years, things have begun to improve, especially as laws in countries have changed around the use of certain drugs. Despite that, many still feel that USADA suspensions are ineffective and that the testing may not be nearly as helpful as some might think.

7 Fix: Change Some Protocols

A quick look at USADA suspensions will reveal a range of suspension times and explanations of the investigations, but some people may not agree with the general rulings. Many UFC fighters have brought up issues surrounding fighters with camps in countries that avoid USADA.

Whether true or not, fighters have claimed that those who primarily train in foreign countries may be able to skirt the strict rules of USADA, allowing them to earn an athletic advantage in an unfair way. Many feel more testing for all fighters regardless of location is the best option.

6 Problem: Fighter Pay

An issue that will likely never end is the debate around the pay for MMA fighters. It’s often a hot topic when it comes to the UFC, but credit should be given to the company for doing what it can to address those concerns. Fighter pay can become a whole new issue when they’re competing for companies other than UFC.

Some fans feel that since fighters are quite literally putting their lives on the line to entertain fans at home, their pay should be higher across the board. Many others feel that pay should always be based on the worth within a company, even when lower-tier fighters share their personal horror stories of money woes.

5 Fix: Higher Pay Or Other Perks

The simple answer to an issue of fighter pay is to simply raise the pay of those fighters. Obviously, that’s easier said than done as major companies have a lot of expenses. The issue becomes even harder to tackle for smaller promotions, but if higher pay isn’t possible, other perks may be.

The UFC helps fighters deal with injury costs, which is certainly a great perk, but all companies could set aside funds to aid in fighter training camp costs. Even a little boost in funds for camps can make a serious difference in the quality of training.

4 Problem: Eye Pokes

There are only a handful of ways to truly attempt to cheat in MMA, but one of the most difficult to deal with is likely the concept of eye pokes. It’s pretty much impossible to determine whether or not an eye poke is blatant in the midst of a heated bout without the aid of added breaks, coverage, and judges.

Despite the issues around catching it, eye pokes have proven to have a significant impact on not only the outcome of a fight but on a fighter’s career. Some fighters may never be able to compete again after suffering too many pokes, and there have been a few high-profile instances of what many feels were blatant eye pokes.

3 Fix: Harsher Penalties

While it is difficult to determine a legitimate eye poke from an accidental eye poke in some instances, it can be pretty clear in others. If two fighters are at range and throwing strikes, the odds of an accidental eye-poke are probably pretty low.

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If two fighters are in a scramble or clinch, an accidental eye-poke might occur. There shouldn’t be warnings for eye pokes. Keep those fists closed on strikes and away from opponents' faces on blocks or lose a point immediately. Continued pokes should result in a finish and victory for the poke sufferer. Serious damage can and has occurred, and the issue shouldn’t be taken lightly.

2 Problem: Creating Stars

A problem that faces just about any form of entertainment is the concept of creating a star. A few people are able to become stars naturally thanks to their incredible skill, flamboyant nature, and impressive charisma, but a fighter’s career isn’t always a lengthy thing.

There is a constant need to grow new stars in order to have draws that can replace the previous ones. While many MMA fans have their favorite fighters, those fighters may not be viewed as stars by other fans or even the companies that they fight for.

1 Fix: Audience Attitudes Need To Change

What makes a star is in the eye of the beholder, but some fans have impossible to maintain concepts of what truly makes a star. If a fan holds the belief that a true star is never beaten, then only a few UFC fighters can even begin to call themselves stars.

Fans often gravitate to those that earn flashy knockouts, say wild things, and rack up big win streaks, but as soon as those fighters stop delivering, fans turn on them. MMA companies are filled with bright stars across the board, some MMA fans just need to be more appreciative of the incredible competition they get to see.