Mark Shapiro is dismissing growing criticism surrounding the UFC’s recent run of events, insisting the promotion remains stronger than ever despite increasing complaints from fans about card quality.
Over the past several months, frustration has steadily built online regarding UFC matchmaking, particularly with smaller Fight Night cards and the growing number of relatively unknown fighters appearing on major events. The criticism has only intensified since the UFC began its new broadcast era with Paramount earlier this year.
Still, Shapiro made it clear during a recent TKO financial call that the company does not believe the product has declined.
Look, bottom line is we don’t buy it,” Shapiro said. “Let’s just start with this premise. The product is great at the UFC, the brand has never been stronger, our reach has never been greater, so the foundational elements of UFC are in concrete.
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Shapiro pointed to recent events like UFC 327 and the UFC’s Perth card as examples of why the company remains confident in the direction of the promotion.
Anyone that came to our last numbered fight in Miami, which was UFC 327, was flat-out blown away,” Shapiro said. “Or anyone that went to our last Fight Night, which happened to be last week in Perth, Australia.
Rather than seeing the current roster transition as a weakness, Shapiro argued that the UFC is in the middle of building its next generation of stars.
We are always building in the UFC,” he said. “We find the best up-and-coming talent around the world and we match them continually in the best fights.
Shapiro specifically highlighted rising names such as Joshua Van, Carlos Prates, and Michael Morales as examples of the promotion’s future direction.
There’s a huge movement right now with all these young fighters coming up in the ranks,” Shapiro said. “Many of them are taking over slots in the top 10 from guys that have been names in the rankings for years.
He also referenced the UFC’s upcoming White House event, UFC Freedom 250, which is expected to be one of the biggest cards of the year and will feature lightweight champion Ilia Topuria in the main event.
It’s all very cyclical,” Shapiro added while addressing the criticism. “With any sport, there’s natural ebbs and flows.
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