Why The UFC Needs Women

Added by Ken R. on July 30, 2012.

Ronda Rousey in the ESPN Body Issue

The UFC needs women. And I don’t mean more octagon girls.  I mean, we all like looking at Arianny Celeste and how can we forget Rachelle Leah?  But, the truth of the matter is, strong women are sexy.  And is there anyone sexier right now than a Ronda Rousey or a Gina Carano?

If you doubt me, look into getting a copy of each of the last ESPN Body Issues.  Or go rent Haywire.

But I digress.  The UFC’s ratings have been lagging, especially in the live events.  Prelims and free fights cards tend to be where Dana White and Company like to showcase new and upcoming talent.  The problem with this is MMA is not mainstream yet.  The truth is, many of the people who tune it to watch live MMA events on Fox and such are casual fans who are on the fence regarding whether or not they buy into it as a consistently entertaining sport.  I know this because I have sat through many UFC events with a friend or family member whom I was trying to persuade into fandom, and it didn’t work.

Adding a female fight as a co-main event would inject some much needed energy and excitement to the UFC.  And they need it.  Just look at the upcoming free fights on Fox.  Brandon Vera as the main event?  Really?  The same guy who is 1-3 in his last four fights, with embarrassing losses abound.  Just watch his fight with Randy Couture.  Or his fight with Thiago Silva, in which his nose was rearranged.

There has never been a more exciting time for women in MMA.  Dana White would be wise to reel in his no girls allowed approach and open the door.  Women are the new black.  They are hot, tough, exciting, and fun to watch in the cage.  And let’s be honest, there isn’t one of us out there who isn’t deathly afraid of Cris Cyborg, am I right?

So consider this my plea/petition/call to action for the UFC management.  Put together a Ronda Rousey vs. Gina Carano fight as a co-main event this year, and you will set records for pay-per-view buys.

Women fight in the military, they are leaders of powerful countries, and it’s about time they were permitted to kick butt in the octagon.