The Ultimate Fighting Championship, or UFC, is a popular mixed martial arts organization that has gained a massive following worldwide. However, some still question whether the fights in the UFC are staged, similar to the scripted performances in professional wrestling.
The UFC is not fake or scripted like the WWE. It is a legit competitive sport with athletes fighting to crown themselves a champion.
But why do some people think the UFC is scripted, fixed, and predetermined?
Is The UFC Fake Like WWE?
The UFC and World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) are vastly different sports with completely different approaches to entertainment. While the WWE is scripted and choreographed, the UFC is an authentic combat sport where fighters engage in real, unscripted fights.
The UFC is a mixed martial arts (MMA) promotion company that hosts some of the most skilled fighters in the world. Fighters from various martial arts disciplines, including boxing, kickboxing, wrestling, Brazilian jiu-jitsu, and Muay Thai, compete in a series of rounds to determine the winner.
On the other hand, WWE matches are predetermined, and the wrestlers follow a script to deliver a storyline and entertain the audience. The matches are choreographed with pre-planned outcomes and predetermined winners, and the wrestlers perform for the audience in a theatrical and exaggerated manner.
While both the UFC and WWE may be classified as entertainment, the UFC is a genuine, physical sport, while the WWE is a form of performance art. The UFC fighters are real athletes who train and compete at the highest level, while the WWE wrestlers are performers who put on a show for their fans.
Are UFC Fights Fixed?
No, UFC fights are not fixed. Fighters compete in the Octagon to defeat their opponents, and the results are determined by their skills, techniques, and performance on the night.
UFC fighters undergo rigorous training in preparation for their fights. They work with their coaches and trainers to develop a strategy and game plan for their upcoming fight, analyzing their opponent’s strengths and weaknesses and identifying opportunities to exploit.
The fighters then apply their training and strategy in the Octagon, engaging in a real, unscripted battle to determine the winner.
While there have been instances where fighters have been accused of cheating or engaging in unsportsmanlike behavior, the UFC has a strict policy against misconduct.
The promotion company employs various measures to ensure fair play and prevent cheating, including drug testing, weight restrictions, and referee oversight.
UFC fights are also scored by a panel of judges who evaluate the fight based on several criteria, including striking, grappling, octagon control, and effective aggressiveness.
The judges observe the fight in real-time and score each round based on their observations, and the fighter with the most points at the end of the fight is declared the winner.
Why Would Someone Think The UFC Is Scripted?
There are several reasons someone might believe the UFC is scripted or fixed. One reason is the pre-fight trash talk and hype often used to build up a fight. While this may seem like an act, it is simply a way for fighters to promote their fight and generate interest among fans.
Another reason someone might think the UFC is scripted is because of the controversial decisions made by judges during some fights.
While it is true that judging in MMA can be subjective, these decisions are made by trained professionals who analyze the action in the Octagon and determine the winner based on their observations.
MMA Fights That Were Thought To Be Fake
While fixed fights are not a common occurrence in the UFC, there have been instances where fights have been accused of being fixed or predetermined. Here are a few examples:
- Ken Shamrock vs. Kimbo Slice – Bellator 138 (2015) This fight was highly anticipated, with two veteran fighters facing off against each other. However, many fans and analysts suspected the fight was fixed due to the unusual circumstances surrounding it. Shamrock was known to be past his prime, and Slice had limited MMA experience, leading many to believe that the fight was staged. Shamrock ended up losing the fight via TKO in the first round.
- Tito Ortiz vs. Ken Shamrock – UFC 40 (2002) The buildup to this fight was intense, with both fighters engaging in a lot of trash talk and hype. However, many fans suspected that the fight was fixed due to the way the fight played out. Ortiz dominated Shamrock throughout the fight, eventually winning via TKO in the third round. While there is no concrete evidence that the fight was fixed, many fans still believe it was staged to generate more interest and hype for the promotion.
- Anderson Silva vs. Thales Leites – UFC 97 (2009) The fight between former UFC middleweight champion Anderson Silva and Thales Leites was highly anticipated. Still, it ended up being a disappointment to many fans. Leites, a skilled jiu-jitsu practitioner, appeared reluctant to engage with Silva, and the fight was criticized for being uneventful. Many fans suspected the fight was fixed. Leites intentionally avoided engaging with Silva to extend the fight and potentially secure a larger payday. However, there is no concrete evidence to support these claims.
- Rashad Evans vs. Tim Sylvia – UFC 74 (2007) In this fight, former UFC heavyweight champion Tim Sylvia was set to face light heavyweight contender Rashad Evans in a catchweight bout. Evans ended up winning the fight via a split decision. Still, the fight was surrounded by controversy due to accusations of fixing. In particular, Sylvia’s lackluster performance raised suspicion, with some fans speculating that he had been paid to throw the fight. However, no evidence supports these claims, and both fighters have denied any wrongdoing.
Summary
the UFC is not fake like WWE. UFC fights are real and unscripted, and the fighters enter the Octagon with the intention of winning and defeating their opponents.
While there may be some pre-fight hype and trash talk, this is simply a way to promote the fight and generate interest among fans. Additionally, the UFC has a strict policy against cheating or foul play. Any fighter found guilty of such misconduct is penalized or banned from the sport.
