MMA’s Thanksgiving Feast: The Biggest Turkeys, Epic Blunders, and Heroes We’re Grateful For!
The biggest turkeys of MMA exposed! Netflix’s Tyson-Paul Scandal, PFL’s Merger Mess, and Merab’s Dodgy Choices—Plus the Heroes We’re Thankful For! Don’t miss the drama, the disasters, and the legendary comebacks shaking the fight world this Thanksgiving!
PFL/Bellator Merger: A Missed Opportunity
Mergers and acquisitions in MMA often excite fans, but they can also spell trouble for fighters. The much-anticipated PFL acquisition of Bellator was expected to solidify the former as a clear No. 2 promotion behind the UFC. Yet, nearly a year later, it’s been nothing short of a disaster.
Keeping Bellator as a separate entity has caused confusion among fans and fighters alike. Notable names like Patricio Pitbull and Patchy Mix have publicly voiced frustration over inactivity, largely due to outdated financial constraints tied to old contracts. What could’ve been a golden opportunity for growth has instead turned into a cautionary tale.
Netflix’s Tyson vs. Paul Fiasco
The highly publicized Tyson vs. Paul fight on Netflix ended up being a colossal disappointment. Not only did the fight itself appear unengaging, but it also sparked controversy over alleged rigging. Worse yet, Netflix’s servers couldn’t handle the traffic from 100 million viewers, leading to repeated streaming crashes and a massive wave of complaints.
Despite shattering viewership records, the event left fans dissatisfied and tarnished Netflix’s credibility. A poorly executed bout, technical issues, and negative PR fallout have cemented this as a low point in MMA history.
Merab Dvalishvili’s Rocky Title Run
Merab Dvalishvili’s journey as a UFC bantamweight title contender has been nothing short of a PR disaster. Fans and the UFC have been clamoring for him to face Umar Nurmagomedov, but Merab has repeatedly avoided the fight. Instead, he’s suggested other options, such as a Sean O’Malley rematch or even Petr Yan, despite Yan’s recent slump.
Merab’s unwillingness to face the division’s most challenging contenders has left fans disheartened. While his skills are undeniable, his reluctance to embrace a marquee fight with Umar Nurmagomedov is damaging both his reputation and the momentum of the division.
What We’re Most Thankful For
Max Holloway’s Unforgettable 2024
Max Holloway has had a rollercoaster year, delivering one of the most iconic moments in MMA history by knocking out Justin Gaethje at UFC 300. Despite suffering his first KO loss to Ilia Topuria, Holloway’s resilience and professionalism continue to inspire.
As he prepares for his transition to lightweight, the entire sport remains grateful for his legendary contributions. Holloway’s spirit reminds fans why they fell in love with MMA in the first place.
Alex Pereira: The UFC’s MVP
Few fighters have had a year as impactful as Alex Pereira. Whether stepping in at UFC 300 to save a card or delivering jaw-dropping victories over elite opponents like Jamahal Hill and Jiří Procházka, Pereira has solidified his status as the sport’s MVP.
Amid a grueling schedule, Pereira has consistently produced thrilling performances, making him an irreplaceable asset to the UFC and a favorite among fans worldwide.
UFC Class Action Lawsuit Settlement
The $375 million settlement from the UFC’s class-action lawsuit represents a significant milestone for more than 1,000 fighters. While it doesn’t fully address ongoing issues such as fighter pay and market monopolization, it offers tangible relief to athletes who’ve sacrificed so much.
This Thanksgiving, many fighters can finally enjoy a brighter future. That’s a reason for the entireMMA community to celebrate.
Conclusion
As we gather around this Thanksgiving, it’s clear the MMA landscape has had its highs and lows. From turkey moments like the Netflix disaster and the PFL/Bellator mishap to inspiring stories like Max Holloway’s journey and Alex Pereira’s dominance, there’s plenty to discuss.
Fans, fighters, and promotions alike can use this holiday season to reflect, reset, and keep pushing the sport forward.