Bad for the Sport, Good for Business

This weekend's UFC event in Sydney, Australia's Acer Arena saw one of the most outrageous acts in MMA History. Michael Bisping's post fight antics broke the line between entertainment and barbarism when he spat at Jorge Rivera's corner man following a TKO victory over the Puerto Rican. It's acts like these that set the sport back in the eyes of governing bodies.

Australia is a particularly interesting case when it comes to the fragility of MMA sanctioning in the foreign market. Though Sydney recently hosted one of the most successful UFC events in the promotions history, neighboring city Melbourne is unable to host the event due to it's use of a cage as opposed to a boxing ring. Reasoning behind this is somewhat unsure, but one may speculate that it is because of the intimidating and savage appearance of the Octagon.

One might also argue that it is this gladiator setting that brings out the warrior spirit in its combatants. An attitude that can be entertaining at its best and frightening at it's worst. Take for example, Brock Lesnar, a former UFC Heavyweight Champion and professional wrestler. After a victory over Frank Mir, Brock Lesnar shocked spectators and staff when in a rage he screamed at his bloodied opponent and stuck his finger in Mir's face. The ensuing backlash was complimented by Lesnar's verbal attack of sponsors.

Moving forward to May 8, 2010 to UFC 113 in Montreal, Quebec, Canada where former welterweight contender Paul Daley physically assaulted opponent Josh Koscheck following a unanimous decision loss. This particular incident in which famed knock-out artist Daley punched Koscheck in the face after the final bell earned the fighter a suspension and a lifetime ban from the UFC. He is now fighting for BAMMA and Strikeforce with little to no media attention.

The only difference between these two incidents is the fact that one was a physical attack on another athlete, and the other was a verbal attack. One can be chalked up to trash-talking and the other is a criminal offence that put the well-being of another fighter at risk. So, it begs the question of how Michael Bisping's behavior will affect the company and the promotion of the dominant middleweight.

It seems that as long as nobody's well-being is at risk, this kind of disrespectful behavior can be a promoter's dream. Look at what the UFC has done with Brock Lesnar. Even if it's bad for the sport, bad press is good for business.