It may seem counterintuitive, but there are definitely fighters in the UFC who have styles that appeal just as little as these guys to the casual fans.
But with Fitch/Okami/Shields, there's also the risk that they beat top fighters within their divisions, making it harder for the UFC to 'push' certain guys.
An exciting up and coming fighter like Tyron Woodley losing a slow grindy fight against Jake Shields is a lot worse for promoting fighters than a win for Woodley would be, and even if Woodley lost to someone exciting, that makes his opponent more marketable, not like Shields who gains virtually 0 casual appeal with his win over Woodley.
Does this make any sense, or am I just wearing my tin foil hat?
But with Fitch/Okami/Shields, there's also the risk that they beat top fighters within their divisions, making it harder for the UFC to 'push' certain guys.
An exciting up and coming fighter like Tyron Woodley losing a slow grindy fight against Jake Shields is a lot worse for promoting fighters than a win for Woodley would be, and even if Woodley lost to someone exciting, that makes his opponent more marketable, not like Shields who gains virtually 0 casual appeal with his win over Woodley.
Does this make any sense, or am I just wearing my tin foil hat?