Dear TMMAC Forumers (Did I just make up that word ? If I did, I'm laying claim to it. Dibbs!!!),
I haven't listened to the podcast, but the statement is true. Case in point: Jon Jones. Probably the best Mixed Martial Artist ever. People hated that kid for being arrogant, being flashy, being disrespectful to his opponents...Sound familiar? It's ok for Connor & the Diaz Bros. to show up guys during fights, but people had strokes when Anderson Silva did it. Same thing happened to Floyd Mayweather in boxing. Why can't Mighty Mouse pull ratings, but Dillishaw can? I've heard people say its a size thing, but is it REALLY? That 2 inches & 10 pounds make that much of a difference? I'm not calling anyone a racist, but things seem more than just coincidence when seen from a minority angle. By the way, I'm not hating on Connor. I love the kid. I'm just hitting you with facts. And to put the "Wins & KO's equal popularity" angle to bed, I give you Chael Sonnen. One of the most popular fighters & MMA's best trash talker in recent memory. He had a huge following. He also had a 9 win - 6 loss record in his last 15 fights. Of those 9 wins, 6 were by decision, with the only KO happening in Strike Force over Kyacey Uscola in 2007. Why was he such a big draw?
Before you dismiss what these guys are saying as simple race baiting, maybe take a look at it from their point of view.
Respectfully,
Random Black dude
MM and Dillashaw both don't draw, they don't put Dillashaw on PPV for a reason. Some people are fans of Jon Jones, regardless of what his attitude is. Yet, that said, Jon Jones set himself up by not being himself, I don't think you can level that criticism at Conor or the Diaz bros. Anderson Silva was a big star and draw, eventually, even if he hardly spoke English, but you do have a point about the criticism for taunting, there does seem to be some double standard there.
Rashad Evans got criticized for his taunting as well, but Diaz would get a pass. I would say that people are beginning to understand that it is part of a fight and being less critical of Conor, in this respect, because of it. However, the proof will be in the pudding when a black fighter does it successfully too, but maybe that is wishful thinking.
Floyd is hated for his domestic abuse convictions and cultivating a heel role. Do you remember his making it rain video clips, during the depths of the recession with people losing their jobs and houses? Great marketing, but he was taking a certain angle there and looking for a certain response.
I'm not naive enough to say that race does not play a factor, it absolutely does, and has been pandered to in combat sports forever. However, I don't think it is as simple as saying that if Mcgregor was black he would be hated. Lets say a black South African with all the same skills Mcgregor has - talent on the mic, stand up skills, KO power, string of devastating wins, galvanized country behind him - came along, he might not hit the same heights as Mcgregor, but to say he would be hated is a bit far.
