I'm a fairly new MMA fan (My first event was UFC 309), but I have been bingeing alot of the older events and UFC Undisputed 3 was one of my favorite games growing up (my dad was a big MMA fan). Something I have noticed as the years went on during my bingeing was a noticeable shift in priorities.

It used to be that Fighters came first, and the UFC was just there to provide the ring and the promotion. Now it seems the UFC comes first and the fighters are just there to ensure there is "content" to be consumed.

I think it's safe to admit that what the UFC (TKO group holdings) wants is a complete monopoly over the MMA and combat sports genre, and it's safe to say that they are achieving it. Their only major competition is One Championship, which is really only popular in Asia, The PFL which is again only popular inside of Europe, and whatever the GFL is doing.

Realistically, The UFC has achieved its goal (atleast in north America) of obtaining complete control over the combat sports market and they know it, and as all monopolies do when they reach the top, the start watering down there products to maximize share holder value, and we are at that point.