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Opinion: UFC 332 made Dana White look right, but there's a bigger problem

UFC 332 silenced critics with a record 11 knockouts, but its explosive success raises uncomfortable questions about the promotion’s matchmaking strategy.

Opinion: UFC 332 made Dana White look right, but there's a bigger problem

UFC 332 achieved a promotional milestone by achieving the highest number of knockouts in a single card. Notably, seven of these knockouts occurred consecutively in the first round, another record for the promotion. Violence seemed to be the dominant theme on this card, leaving viewers who enjoy such action satisfied. However, Dana White, the UFC's president, was quick to remind detractors of his earlier prediction.

White's criticism, while warranted to some extent, doesn't necessarily undermine the overall entertainment value of the event. The critiques, however, centered around the card's quality and the quality of its matchups. The high-profile fighters present, such as Rafael dos Anjos and Deiveson Figueiredo, weren't as marketable as they once were, leading to a lackluster card.

Furthermore, the card's matchmaking seemed to prioritize knockouts over competitive fights, raising questions about the UFC's decision-making process. Despite the entertaining nature of the card, it's clear that there's a larger issue at play: the UFC's strategy of prioritizing entertainment over competitive balance. This approach, while effective in generating excitement, may not be sustainable in the long run.

The UFC, as a brand, needs to continue attracting top talent to maintain its appeal. While the company may not acknowledge this strategy directly, it's evident in their decision-making process.

Written by urgent.news from Yahoo Sports's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.

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