The article reflects on Thanksgiving by expressing gratitude for covering MMA and highlights the “biggest turkeys” of the year, including the PFL/Bellator merger, Netflix’s handling of Tyson vs. Paul, and Merab Dvalishvili‘s title run, while also expressing thankfulness for figures like Max Holloway, Alex Pereira, and the UFC class action lawsuit settlement benefiting fighters.
Happy Thanksgiving!
The day that kicks off the holiday season in the U.S. is all about family, friends, and a feast. It’s a time to reflect on what we’re grateful for, and here at MMA Fighting, our gratitude list is long!
We’ve got the best fans and readers out there, plus we get to cover the thrilling, unpredictable world of MMA. Honestly, wouldn’t trade it for anything.
As 2024 draws to a close, Jed Meshew, Damon Martin, and Mike Heck sat down virtually to chat about our blessings this year—and call out the biggest turkeys.
Biggest Turkeys of the Year
PFL/Bellator merger
Mergers can stir excitement among MMA fans but often spell trouble for fighters. Fewer options mean less negotiating power. When PFL bought Bellator—well, “bought” is generous since it was more like taking over a sinking ship—everyone thought it’d create a strong No. 2 after UFC.
Fast forward a year: chaos reigns.
Bellator stayed separate for reasons unknown—maybe contracts or PFL’s love for its quirky season format? It confused casual fans when PFL announced signings like Paul Hughes only for him to fight in Bellator.
Now, with new champions soon to be crowned and million-dollar checks looming, top Bellator fighters like Patricio Pitbull are grumbling about inactivity. Their contracts from Bellator days remain unchanged post-PFL takeover, raising eyebrows about financial motives.
PFL needs urgent fixing. They had a shot at being a formidable force with an impressive roster. But right now? Feels like they might crumble instead of thriving post-Bellator acquisition. – Damon Martin
Netflix
Conor McGregor’s disastrous 2024 could’ve made this list, but let’s focus on Netflix and the trainwreck that was Tyson vs. Paul instead.
When announced, Tyson vs. Paul seemed dreadful yet intriguing due to Netflix’s involvement. It became the decade’s biggest combat sports event with over 100 million viewers… who were mostly disappointed.
The fight was a dreary spectacle: Paul either couldn’t or wouldn’t finish a nearly 60-year-old Tyson. Thankfully! Watching an elder get pummeled wasn’t on my agenda.
It was so bad some folks cried “rigged.” Silly geese! Yet enough noise prompted Most Valuable Promotions to address those claims—not ideal if you’re defending your product to millions.
And oh boy, the streaming issues! Netflix couldn’t handle the massive audience, leading to crashes galore. Instead of discussing the fight’s awfulness afterward, everyone roasted Netflix during it. Bad publicity isn’t always good; this fiasco hurt their future sports streaming ventures.
Ultimately, all this mess surrounded what felt like a circus act featuring an aging fighter lucky not to be seriously injured. Buncha turkeys indeed. – Jed Meshew
Merab Dvalishvili
Let me start by saying I admire Merab Dvalishvili immensely. He’s been gracious since before hitting top-15 status in UFC bantamweight division—a journey filled with hurdles he cleared impressively.
But perception-wise? His title run’s last two months may be the worst in UFC history.
Fans clamor for him vs Umar Nurmagomedov at 135—a match-up desired since Nurmagomedov destroyed Raoni Barcelos ages ago. UFC wants it too! Yet after beating Sean O’Malley, Dvalishvili praised Dana White (despite years of public criticism). I get his reluctance… sorta.
Since then though? Excuses abound: “Umar doesn’t deserve it,” “O’Malley deserves another shot” (he doesn’t), or even “If Figueiredo beats Yan…” (debatable but okay). Suggesting Petr Yan—a guy he dominated—is baffling; Yan’s recent record isn’t enough for rematch/title shot.
There’s just one logical choice here: Umar Nurmagomedov. As Jed Meshew says: Umar is coming! Dvalishvili should embrace this challenge wholeheartedly—not merely agree if UFC insists.
Consider this Exhibit Q in our ongoing saga.
Back into the classroom to drop hard truths—lessons from my victories and who’s worthy of facing me next. If you don’t know, now you know. Got questions? I’ve got answers.
— Merab “The Machine” Dvalishvili (@MerabDvalishvil)
If this is all some elaborate work or trolling? Please stop! Fight Umar; prove your point if he’s truly overhyped as suggested—then call out whoever else you want! Just hit pause on this nonsense—it ain’t working.– Mike Heck
Thing You Are Most Thankful For
Max Holloway
They don’t make ’em like Max Holloway anymore; his incredible 2024 deserves all praise showered upon him.
Holloway built popularity through sheer willpower as an exciting fighter while avoiding negative headlines—a genuinely likable guy taking daunting challenges head-on (remember stepping up against Khabib last minute?). Yep—that’s Max!
This year saw highs like UFC 300 where he stunned Justin Gaethje with seconds left—a highlight destined for Hall-of-Fame reels—and lows including his first knockout loss versus Ilia Topuria ending featherweight dreams prematurely yet admirably pursuing challenges regardless!
He’ll return at lightweight ranked among elite fighters once more come 2025—delivering another unforgettable bout surely awaited eagerly by fans everywhere! Holloway remains special beyond words within sport circles cherished deeply until retirement eventually beckons someday…
– Martin