The New York Times insists on calling the UFC the U.F.C. but they won’t call MMA M.M.A. which is already inconsistent and annoying for one of, if not the most revered outlets in the world to do. But then, on the heels of Ronda’s loss, they found someone who may have seen one or two MMA fights to write up a top ten list of stars who can take over for Ronda. And it’s such a legit list, that Ronda is #1. Yes, now The New York Times is as clever, or maybe less so than MiddleEasy. Wow.
On this list, they have CM Punk, who hasn’t even fought yet and may never fight. Anderson Silva, who’s going on 41-years-old. Chris Weidman, who, if he isn’t a star by now, will never be. Donald Cerrone, Jose Aldo (who has never been a draw) and Jon Jones. Heavy lifting done there, NY Times. Heavy lifting.
You can read the whole piece right here. It’s not great. It’s MMA blog level. Not 2009-2012 MMA blog level, but more like 2015 MMA blog level.
Here’s a snippet:
9. Demetrious Johnson
Some fans do not like the smaller fighters, but they often put on a fast-moving, action-packed show. The affable Johnson is the only U.F.C. flyweight champion in history and has methodically defended his title seven times. No one doubts his skills, but a few more knockouts, and maybe a little less geniality, would help his popularity.