It was clear last week that the UFC was being slightly cooperative with TMZ. Thiago Alves and his management team made sure to call the popular news/gossip site with daily updates about his CAT Scan issues. Even UFC president Dana White was “caught” on the street for a quickie interview.
So that means TMZ won’t cover the negative stories around the UFC, right? Fat chance. Want proof? When a fighter who last fought for the UFC in May of 2008 gets arrested, he’ll still be labeled a UFC fighter.
Jon “War Machine” Koppenhaver was popped again last night. This time for fighting outside a bar in San Diego. TMZ has all the photos and the story is slugged:
“UFC fighter busted – assault with a deadly weapon”
Outrageous, right? War Machine isn’t anywhere close to fighting for the UFC now. Just two of his 13 fights were with the UFC. That’s not fair to the promotion. Tough luck. TMZ doesn’t filter or show favoritism. And that’s the way it should be.
It’s also looking for the most traffic possible. The average reader of TMZ doesn’t know anything about mixed martial arts beyond the UFC, so if you ever fought in the UFC and you’re on TMZ, you’re a “UFC fighter.” Welcome to the big time!
Guess what: no one, especially Dana White, ever claimed these guys were role models. So in other words, MMA fighters, MMA fans, and promoters could care less. In fact, it’s publicity–and therefore, positive.
Congrats on a failed article E-CANADA.
I agree. And becareful TMZ—–you may piss off GSP.
There’s more in the article about TMZ writing the article than about the actual incident. We get it TMZ – you guys will write about anything. Good job.
Not a biggie TMZ—-as far as true MMA fans go. This guy was a flash in the pan anyway, I really had to jog my memory to remember this guy. Who cares. Probably some drunk with a tough man complex actually recognized him and started some sh#t. I dont believe this will hurt Dana’s pocket book any.
TMZ grasping to make a mountain out of a mole hill…get a life people. Now, if you catch a class act life Forest or GSP or even a doushbag like Tito then you may have something. Better yet, go pick a fight with one of them…that will be a worthy read.
Yes please sucker punch Tito in a bar somewhere…. Never mind I will do it myself!
Report the story correctly e canada. This fighter is a former UFC fighter, long removed. The UFC would not tolerate an idiot like this in there organazation. They are aware of their public image.
True, take a man like Randy C–old guys rule!!
Tough but humble will rule the world!
War Machine was a headcase on “The Ultimate Fighter” show as well. The guy has some serious issues and needs to fight to feel better even for a minute. not every fighter can be as cool and calm as Randy or Chuck.
Really, a man who is a paid professional fighter was arrested for… fighting? Wierd, at least he didn’t shoot himself in the leg.
This isn’t any more damaging to the UFC than what Mike Tyson has done to the boxing world by beating several different people out of the ring. Including Don King and alleged rape victim.