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BJ Penn, Silva, GSP, Fedor and TUF 25: We need to stop clinging to the past

Though MMA is a young sport in the grand scheme of things, it's quickly evolving. It always has been. The present state of MMA has caused promoters to seek the names of the past to bolster their cards of the present. This is not a long term solution, and it's hardly a short term fix either.

Anderson Silva just fought and gained a controversial victory over a good, but not great fighter. Fedor is making his Bellator debut after getting shellacked by Fabio Maldanado who is a mid tier, past his prime light heavyweight. It should be noted that the fight took place in Russia, and Fedor had his hand raised. BJ Penn recently made a return where he found him self embarrassed publicly once more. Now, it appears that GSP is going to be making a return around the same time that the UFC is casting TUF 25 with a group of guys that couldn't cut it in the promotion.

This is entertainment that diminishes the long term growth of the sport in order to maintain some semblance of short term success. The UFC should be doing everything they can to develop talent and keep their current talent happy. Instead, they are investing in guys that won't be fighting in 2020. If your business plan is day to day, you are sure to fail.