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[snakeofdoom]

Originally Posted by born2kill

They dont have to dress up in tuxedos, but they should dress like grown ups, not like little kids. When they leave the building, they can wear whatever homoerotic, flaming skull covered attire they want. But as long as theyre on television with a UFC or Strikeforce or whatever banner, they are at work, they are representing the company and the sport. Its a job like any other.

Yeah, because the difference between a tuxedo and a suit is so vastly different... Dress like grown ups or dress to your opinion of how grown ups dress? I don't know if you noticed but there are far more adults walking around in jeans and t's than suits, so really dressing like an adult would be staying in the former don't you think? As far as homoerotic flaming skulls go...Well if those shirts turn you on that's your business, I'm not hatin'. Representing the company? Well, aren't they still representing the company even when they are away from the cameras? So, by your rational they should be wearing suits all the time.
Look I understand your point, really. I know I'm coming off like a smart-ass (which I am) but I'm simply playing devils advocate here. I just don't think we should try to shoehorn in everyone to somebody else's standards. It's like somehow by wearing a suit it makes it more cuddlier and friendlier to everyone else that these guys essentially punch people in the face for living. I love martial arts and I have never been ashamed of being an MMA fan. Yes, there are people out there who still have this preconceived notion that it is nothing more than human cock fighting but is wearing a suit really doing anything to change that? No. I'm not some meat-head that thinks they should wear the aforementioned homoerotic (your words not mine) flaming skulls 24/7. Just simply that it should be up to them what they choose. If that happens to be suit then fine, but if not I'm OK with that because I don't expect it, nor deem it necessary. Ok, rant over....

[rivethead]

^^I think it's funny that you're talking about how wrong it is to follow other peoples pre-conceived notions, and yet you're following them yourself, with statements like "dressing like a banker is sooo tough."

I also think you're not as accurate as you think you are with the statement that dressing conservatively won't change anyone's mind. The fact of the matter is that a lot of people don't look very far past first impressions...so if they hear that someone is a human cockfighter and they see them sporting a lacey-flame-y-skull-y tee shirt that epitomizes what most 12 year-olds think of as "soo tough," they're having what they've heard about MMA instantly reinforced.

On the flipside, if they expect a fighter to dress like a 12-year-old-who-got-a-gift-card-to-hot-topic-for-christmas; and the fighter shows up looking like someone who could work anywhere, but chooses to be a fighter, that has the potential to make them think about MMA in an entirely different light.

Then, when you factor in the amount of fighters who are actually intelligent and can express themselves eloquently, you've got momentum to changing some public perception about the industry.


Although--like many subcultures--there are a lot of fans who don't want MMA to succeed beyond where it is today. They want to keep it as a kool/small-and-select-group identity, so they can find a niche to belong and feel superior to the mopes in the mainstream. I saw the same thing with dopey kids who discovered punk and then complained about sell-outs a year later...without understanding that if bands didn't try to be successful, those same kids would never have heard about them, and would have continued to listen to top 40 bullshit.

rh

[SWIFTboy]

Originally Posted by rivethead

Although--like many subcultures--there are a lot of fans who don't want MMA to succeed beyond where it is today. They want to keep it as a kool/small-and-select-group identity, so they can find a niche to belong and feel superior to the mopes in the mainstream. I saw the same thing with dopey kids who discovered punk and then complained about sell-outs a year later...without understanding that if bands didn't try to be successful, those same kids would never have heard about them, and would have continued to listen to top 40 bullshit.

rh

I didn't sell out, I bought in.

[mma #1 fan]

Call me stupid ( hey not al at once ) but would Professional attire in MMA not be fight shorts, gloves and a cup ??

[H33LHooK]

Most pro sports teams; most amateur sports teams- - hell, most high school sports teams, have some sort of dress code on "game day".

The difficulty specifically with regard to how this might apply to the UFC is how do you enforce it, even if it's written into contracts? Would Dana have to give the once-over to the fighters before they step up to the mic? How would the clauses be worded?

"Striped shirts must never be worn with plaid ties, but may have stripe-less collars; collar-less shirts are forbidden; as are sleeveless shirts".

.

[Frasedog]

Looking and acting like a professional means more time on ESPN, more mainstream coverage and recognition of the athletes, leads to better sponsors and more money. It's a win win for everyone.

[Dr. MMA]

Originally Posted by H33LHooK

Striped shirts must never be worn with plaid ties

I thought that was common-sense! Automatic pink slip.