The Flyweight division desperately needs some more exposure.
The Flyweight division is one of the most exciting divisions in the UFC. Yes, I said it, ONE OF THE MOST EXCITING DIVISIONS! But many casual and hardcore MMA fans may disagree with that statement. Many people are looking for the big knockout, the devastating submission, the bloody wars. The Flyweight division however doesn’t feature a great ton of any of that. Why? Because the lower the weight class, the more technical ability comes into play. That last fact leaves me salivating. Technique is the absolute most important thing in martial arts. Without it we might as well be watching two drunkards brawl it out in a bar and call it entertainment. Flyweight fighters are usually going to find themselves up against bigger men in the gym which means they can’t rely on strength to better their opponent, but technique. Because of that fact, and the fact that Flyweights in the UFC are incredibly technical, most fights will go to decision, much to the ire of many MMA fans looking for a definitive finish. The fighters in the UFC Flyweight division may be extremely talented, but it’s far from being the deepest division in the organization. Enter The Ultimate Fighter. On the 24th season of the tournament based series, Flyweights will be featured. The winner of the season will awarded a six figure contract as usual, but this time the UFC is taking a page out an old playbook and employing the format they once used in season 4 of the long running show. The winner will also receive a Flyweight title shot. Now, while the stakes may bring a level of increased interest for the winner, it does highlight a bit of an issue. The Flyweight division is starving for talent and the fact that the TUF format is being used to suss out any fighters they can proves that the division is in trouble. That doesn’t mean the division will be removed, but it does highlight the fact that if more talent isn’t added to the division that fans may grow bored and potentially lose interest in Flyweights all together. All that being said, this is perhaps the best move the UFC could have possibly made and will provide audiences with some fresh faces needed in a stagnant division, all of it on national television. Only time will tell if this format will generate more interest in the Flyweight division, but I for one will be looking forward to proceedings. Are you a fan of the Flyweight division? Follow Generation Iron MMA on Facebook and Twitter. Also, be sure to share, like, and comment to show your support.
Jonathan Salmon is a writer, martial arts instructor, and geek culture enthusiast. Check out his Twitter and Facebook to keep up with his antics.
