5 Lessons Learned From UFC Fight Night 51

3. There's Too Much Filler On The Brazilian Cards

Brazil

It's a common complaint, stacking cards with local fighters that no one outside the community knows or cares about. Santiago Ponzinibbio vs. Wendell Oliveira was a key offender at UFC Fight Night 51. Yes, the fight had action, and Oliveira wound up knocked out (we had it the other way around going into the fight), but no one knew - or cared, to be frank - about this bout. It would have been fine on the undercard. High up on the main card? There's no reason.

This whole idea that fans will cheer for local guys just because they're local needs to be taken out back behind the barn and put out of its misery. Fight fans, especially in Brazil, are smart. Think of them like smart marks from pro wrestling. They know they're getting cheated and would rather see top fighters, regardless of their nationality. Sure, put a couple of local talents on a card, but don't have half the card filled up with guys fans could basically see at regional shows.

 
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Primarily covering the sport of MMA from Ontario, Canada, Jay Anderson has been writing for various publications covering sports, technology, and pop culture since 2001. Jay holds an Honours Bachelor of Arts degree in English from the University of Guelph, and a Certificate in Leadership Skills from Humber College.