UFC welterweight Matt Brown has expressed concerns over the rapid expansion of the UFC, stating that the barrier to entry has significantly lowered, leading to an influx of inexperienced fighters who are not ready for the level of competition, and making it harder for fighters to stand out.
Back in 2001, the UFC was a different beast. New owners, Frank and Lorenzo Ferttita, had just taken over, and the promotion only held five events with 80 fights that year. Fast forward to 2023, and the UFC boasted 43 events, 520 fights, and 21 title bouts in just 12 months.
The UFC’s growth has been explosive. It’s not just about the number of events, but also the sheer volume of fighters now signed to the roster. Reality shows like The Ultimate Fighter, Dana White’s Contender Series, and the constant need for new blood to fill out weekly events have all contributed. The number of contracted athletes has skyrocketed to over 650.
Veteran UFC welterweight Matt Brown, who joined the roster in 2006, recalls the prestige of being a UFC fighter. It was an accomplishment just to get the call. But times have changed, and Brown can’t ignore the fact that it seems easier for today’s fighters to get into the UFC.
Brown’s respect for the new generation is still there, but he admits the entry barrier is much lower now. He shared his thoughts on The Fighter vs. The Writer podcast. Back in his day, getting to the UFC was a dream, a Super Bowl moment. Now, it seems like anyone who trains hard in MMA has a shot at the UFC.
Brown, who now coaches fighters at his own gym, finds it tricky to give advice to aspiring fighters. The goalposts have shifted. A few years back, he would have scoffed at the idea of getting to the UFC after just four or five fights. Now, it seems possible.
The reality, though, is that many fighters get a shot at the UFC to fill roster spots. The issue is that many aren’t ready for that level of competition and get knocked out after a few fights. The challenge then becomes earning your way back.
The UFC’s rapid expansion has made it harder for fighters to stand out. Each year, a huge number of new fighters get a chance in the UFC, leading to many inexperienced athletes filling the events. For example, the upcoming UFC Vegas 89 card features 12 fighters with four fights or less inside the octagon.
Brown admits that in the early days of the Fertitta brothers’ reign, everyone wanted more UFC events. Now, it’s almost impossible to keep up. He even confessed to missing a recent UFC APEX card because he was unaware it was happening.
Despite his concerns, Brown understands that the UFC’s growth will likely lead to more fighters being signed who aren’t quite ready for the big leagues. That’s why he advises young fighters to gain competition experience before stepping into the octagon. He also warns them about the harsh realities of MMA, where even the most talented fighters face adversity and the risk of being knocked out in front of millions.
Brown’s final piece of advice? Know yourself. MMA isn’t for everyone, and the sport will expose you at some point. If you’re not comfortable with that, you’re in for a rough ride.
For more insights from Brown, check out new episodes of The Fighter vs. The Writer every Tuesday. The podcast is available on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, and iHeartRadio.