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COLUMN: 5 Reasons Women's MMA in the UFC is Here to Stay
Apr 12, 2013 - 7:50:07 PM COLUMN: 5 Reasons Women's MMA in the UFC is Here to Stay

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By: Tony Becerra, MMATorch Contributor

For many MMA traditionalists, the idea of women's MMA brings about the reaction "It has no business being in the UFC, no one cares about it, its just a fad." But is it? In light of this weekend's TUF 17 Finale bout between Miesha Tate and Cat Zingano, the second ever women's bout in UFC history, here are five reasons why women's MMA in the UFC is here to stay.

1.) Ronda Rousey

Granted, she is not the end all be all when it comes to women's MMA. However, she did break down barriers and made history by being the first Champion in the largest organization in the history of the sport. Ronda's personality in combination with her talent was enough to get the attention of the media that not only exposed people to women's MMA but to MMA in general. In the fight to educate fans about the art that is Mixed Martial Arts, it's important to remember that there is something about women's MMA that will bring attention to all aspects of the sport. There is a lot of pressure that has been placed onto Ronda, but it does not mean that woman's MMA rests on her shoulders. In a recent interview Ronda stated, "You don't hear about if Anderson Silva loses they may get rid of his entire division." She has a point, and with the UFC now on board with women's MMA, I don't see them pulling the division from the company. Exposure, education, and understanding are key components that help legitimize the sport and Ronda Rousey is currently at the forefront.

2.) Dana White and The Ultimate Fighter

For the longest time Dana White was staunchly against the idea of ever bringing women's MMA in the UFC. When asked in 2011 when women's MMA was coming to the UFC he said "Never." Things sure have changed haven't they? Dana White is very aware of where women's MMA is headed. He recently announced that the next installment of the company's longest running reality show, the Ultimate Fighter, will have Ronda Rousey and the winner of this weekend's Tate-Zingano bout as the two head coaches. Bringing women's MMA to the tournament shows that the UFC is serious about the division. Whether you watch The Ultimate Fighter or not, you cannot deny that having this platform for Ronda Rousey and Miesha Tate-Cat Zigano will help bring more exposure to women's MMA. The more the division grows, the less pressure will be put on one fighter, which inevitably will allow for women's MMA to grow.

3.) History is being written

Whether the MMA fan is aware of it or not, women's MMA has been well documented since the mid 1990's. Names like Megumi Fuji, Gina Carano, Liz Carmouche, Ronda Rousey and the like have laid the foundation for women's MMA. Through promotions like Strikeforce, Invicta FC and now the UFC, fans are able to see how women's mixed martial arts has evolved into something that has people asking for more. So much so that the largest organization in the world is bringing women's MMA to its longstanding reality show, The Ultimate Fighter. Women's MMA will continue to make history to the point where talk of a championship bout between two female fighters will be as mainstream as the rest.

4.) It will broaden the audience

This is a business, and how will you make your business grow? By broadening the audience. Yes UFC 157 did not have the highest buy rate in the history of the UFC, but since when has there been so much media attention in women's MMA? Not since Carano vs Cyborg did I ever remember seeing that much of a buzz from the media. The sport in general will grow because of what the media does for women's MMA; it will flourish from the attention that women's MMA brings and inevitably bring more eyes to the sport. More eyes to the sport equal's more revenue for the company.

5.) They come to win

We've all heard it... here's another fighter who is going to "lay and pray" his way to a victory. The truth is women's MMA is exciting and fighters come to showcase their skills without reservations. Case in point, this weekend's bout between Miesha Tate and Cat Zingano features two fighters who have 23 fights between them with only six going to decision. Remiss would I be if I didn't include the UFC's 135 champ Ronda Rousey, who in seven fights has seven finishes. These are a few of the many fighters who are hungry to show that they belong in the spotlight just as much as any other division. The fights bring so much intrigue, excitement and entertainment that even the casual MMA fan would sit down and watch just to see how the fight will end.


Thoughts? Comments? @iamtonybecerra