Houston Alexander signs 5-fight contract extension with the UFC proving it's about more than just winning
MMAMania.com is reporting that UFC light heavyweight fighter Houston Alexander has signed a five-fight contract extension with the UFC. Alexander is 2-2 inside the Octagon, including losing his last two fights in very decisive fashion after debuting with the promotion with two equally dramatic victories.
Alexander fights next on September 15 against Eric Schafer at UFC Fight Night 15.
Based on recent moves by the UFC, in which fighters have been cut for prolonged losing streaks, one would have thought that another loss by Alexander would doom his UFC career. However, the news of this contract extension tells a different story.
How was Alexander, who is already 36 and has only a very limited realistic shot at the title in the UFC's deepest division, able to negotiate an extension when better fighters have been cut?
Most likely because despite what Dana White says publicly, he understands that MMA is not just about the best fighters fighting each other. It's also about entertainment and putting fans in seats and in front of TV's (see Brock Lesnar fighting for the heavyweight title after only two fights in the Octagon or EliteXC's heavy reliance on Kimbo Slice and Gina Carano.)
So, while Alexander may never be a legit contender, he does have a physique, an aggressive stand-up style, and a back story (DJ, single father raising six kids, donated his kidney to his daughter) that makes him a fan favorite and also makes him quite marketable. Alexander may not win every fight he's in but his scraps are always quick, entertaining, and decisive (one way or another.)
This all translates to more cash in the UFC's coffers. So, contender or not, re-signing Alexander is simply good business.
Comments
It always good to see a
It always good to see a story like his and see the guy get rewarded for his hard work. I've never quite understood the analysts preoccupation with wins and losses in this sport. Every fighter (sans perhaps Anderson Silva, GSP and Rampage among others) are going to go thru their losing streaks, but just because they get mired in a slump doesn't mean they need to be cut or aren't good anymore.
Look at Dan Henderson, prime example. He loses a 5-rounder to Jackson then faces Silva for the title and wins the first round (the only round Silva has lost in the UFC to date, mind you) but then makes a small mistake to Silva and pays for it by getting RNC'd. Now he's off Sherdog's p4p rankings?! Huh? Because he narrowly lost to two top-3 fighters in all of MMA, he's off the p4p rankings completely? Give me a break. Even if Dan were to lose this Saturday to Palhares, this guy is one of the best all-around fighters in the world and it goes to show you that wins and losses aren't everything. Not even close.
I think it makes perfect
I think it makes perfect sense from a business perspective. Lock in a guy with two straight losses while his value is low for a long term deal. Then if he loses you can cut him, shelve him, or keep him from jumping ship to an organization that needs a name guy similar to when EliteXC picked up Scott Smith to fight Lawler.
In this MMA economic market, what choice would he have to say no? Of course, contracts are best when resigned during a winning streak.
The best example to look at is Rich Franklin, the UFC locked him into a long-term deal at a rock bottom price early in his career.
OK, I agree with most of
OK, I agree with most of this article.
I will say that I think the statement that the lightheavyweight division is the deepest division is a little wrong. I think that 155 is deeper, but that's a triviality.
Unfortunately, this is a reoccurring issue.
This is the same reason why Brock Lesnar got a title shot.
I've discussed that here: http://www.mmaopinion.com/2008/09/03/unworthy-brock-lesnars-title-shot/
IronMan wrote: OK, I agree
OK, I agree with most of this article.
I will say that I think the statement that the lightheavyweight division is the deepest division is a little wrong. I think that 155 is deeper, but that's a triviality.
Unfortunately, this is a reoccurring issue.
This is the same reason why Brock Lesnar got a title shot.
I've discussed that here: http://www.mmaopinion.com/2008/09/03/unworthy-brock-lesnars-title-shot/
It's certainly a debatable point but I'd put 155 behind 205. The roster of stars and up-and-coming talent at 205 is unparalleled.
Look at the guys who don't have the title:
Rampage
Chuck
Shogun
Wandy
Look at the non-Forrest young talent:
Rashad
Thiago Silva
Lyoto Machida
Matt Hamill
Other notable names include Keith Jardine and Sokoudjou. Anderson Silva, Rich Franklin, and Dan Henderson also occasionally fight in the division.
The only two guys in the world the UFC doesn't have are Lil Nog and Ricardo Arona.
155 is deep but it's not deep with proven talent, mostly up-and-coming talent. BJ Penn is head and shoulders above the rest of the division with Sean Sherk following, then Florian and Stevenson.
This couldn;t have happened
This couldn;t have happened to a nicer guy if you ask me. This is one of the most unselfish, positive human beings I have ever had the pleasure of speaking with. When I interviewed him I got the impression that he would love to change the world one person at a time, he makes a positive impact in so many young people's lives including his 6 children whom he raises alone. I hope he clears up the holes in his ground game and finds some success because he certainly deserves it. He is the type of guy who would give you the shirt off of his back.
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