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Is It Good Being An "Active" UFC Fighter
Everyone has been talking since Volkanovski lost back to back title fights - has he been too active? Or, are we as a community Monday morning quarterbacking this, hindsight being 20/20? If Volk went up to 155 pounds and got double champ status, the fight community might be singing a different tune. But he didn’t, so I think it’s time to start questioning the grueling pace some of these fighters keep.
In general, there is always an argument in sports when it comes to what’s better; rest or rust. But when it comes to fighting, is less more? Or should a fighter stay sharp and get in the octogon as much as possible.
Being an active fighter is a good way to score points with the fans and with UFC brass. I think we are learning though there is a sweet spot for how many fights a fighter should take in succession. Should fighters prioritize quality over quality?
The window for a fighting career is small, and the opportunities and window to fight at the championship level is even smaller. For those who don’t know - defending champions get points on the pay per view. They basically become partners with the UFC on that particular night without having to buy in. So why not make hay while the sun is shining?
In the last year or so alone we have seen different approaches to how active one should be. Here are some examples of what we have seen.
Cases Where Being Active Worked
Sean Strickland
Tom Aspinall
Alex Pereira
Sean Strickland and Tom Aspinall stepped in on shortish notice to fight for a championship. Strickland has just been super active - he didn’t let a few losses stop him, he just kept taking fights and making himself available.
This worked wonders as Strickland’s star power went through the roof during the buildup and after his championship fight. Fighting alot seems to suit his style perfectly, as he loves to fight whenever he can - even in the stands of UFC events hes not a part of.
(nice man Sean Strickland kindly asks Gilbert Burn's family to get out of the way before punching Dricus Du Plessis in the face at UFC 296)
Alex Pereira fought six times in the last two years, and took home gold in two different weight classes as a result. He is now set to headline UFC 300, in what should be a great matchup. I think it’s safe to say being active has built him a legacy that will live forever, as well as give the Brazilian life changing money.
Cases Where Being Active Didn’t Work
Isreal Adesanya
Volkanovski
I’ll rope these former champions into one category. Dominant champions, super active. It seems like these guys have been on every other fight card for the last few years. Its hard to be overly critical of these fighters as they have had legendary runs as champions, but 2023 was a year where I think they could have let off the gas a little.
Izzy just finished trading knockouts back and forth with his nemesis Alex Pereria and was trying to rush into a fued with DDP. He got Strickland instead who wasnt as easy as he thought.
Like Isreal Adesanya, Volk has been chasing double champ status after clearing out his division. They both ended up taking alot of fights in persuit of this dream, and it ended up just being to much. Volk rushed into a fight on the other side of the world on short notice, and it cost him. He really needed to learn and take a break, but he immediately went back to featherweight like nothing happened and took on an undefeated condender. Balls of steel, but maybe to his detriment.
Cases Where Being “Less” Active Worked
Dricus Du Plessis
Jon Jones
Leon Edwards
Dricus is a great example where not rushing into a fight was an excellent strategy. After his suprise KO of Robbert Whittaker, Isreal Adesanya immediately went in the octogon and challenged him for UFC 293 in Sydney. It was a little too close for him to be as healthy as he wanted to be, so he sat out and watched Sean Strickland go in and win the belt instead. Seems like he played his hand wrong.. but he ended up getting a title shot versus Sean in January and completed his dream. If he had rushed in against Izzy with a hurt foot and lost? He might have burnt a rare opportunity to get a world championship.
DDP Returns To South Africa With The Belt
Jon Jones had one fight this year (first since 2020) and won Fighter of the Year at the ESPYs. In his defense he was supposed to fight Stipe Miocic in November but he got hurt… that being said he’s remained everyone’s G.O.A.T, avoided Francis Ngannu, and has slowed down his pace incredibly. It seems to work for him.
I don’t have a lot to say about Leon Edwards other than it seems he fights once every 9 months or so. He’s got a win streak dating back to 2016 and a world title, so he’s doing something right.
So What’s The Answer Gilly?
(me trying to figure out what I think the correct answer is)
The answer isn’t straight forward, but here’s how a feel as someone who doesn’t fight for a living.
Stay active to build a brand and open up opportunities for yourself. Make sure the UFC knows you’re down for whatever when you’re healthy. However, if everyone is wondering if you’re rushing into a fight, tittle shot, title defense, you probably are. Once a fighter’s reputation is built up and they have risen to the top of thier division, I think it’s time to slow it down. Ensure you have full camps ahead of your fights whenever possible, and pull out with an injury if you need to.
I think 2 fights a year seems to work best for these guys near the top. Any more than that they are risking having 3 quick losses tacked onto their record like Volkanovski this past year. However - it’s time to put it to the test.. if Volk jumps back in the octagon in 2 months and wins back his title, I reserve the right to change my mind.
So, is it better to be Steven King and write 15 books a year, some good some bad? Or is it better to be George RR Martin and really take your time to do it right? In some ways, the fighters are playing a game of thrones, risking their positions to climb the ladder. Just be careful not to be too ambitious, or all could fall apart for you in quick order.
