The Fight for Fame

http://sports.yahoo.com/mma/news?slug=dm-freeagents031008&prov=yhoo&type=lgns

Both Tito Ortiz and Lyoto Machida are important names in the fighting realm of the UFC. On May 24th, 2008 both men are scheduled to be apart of what is deemed "among the most important matches of 2008."


Whether these two well known fighters choose to accept it or not... they are apart of far more than just an ordinary match. "It is generally believed that barring a miracle reconciliation, Ortiz and UFC will part company when his contract expiresUFC will be gambling by airing Ortiz’s match live on pay-per-view. Ortiz is a big enough name to help sell orders. The former UFC light heavyweight champion’s contract calls for bonuses far beyond his $210,000 reported per-match figure, so the feeling is it’s too much to pay without getting market value through heavily promoting his fight.Machida should be favored to win the fight, but it’s hardly a lock. It’s a win the undefeated Machida needs if he’s going to work into position for a shot at the light heavyweight title, and connect with an audience that has seen him win many times against lesser-known fighters, but has yet to react to him as a star.
But if Ortiz wins, he’ll be a free agent at a time he’s at the top of the list of the most famous mixed martial artists in the country, in a business with many potential suitors who are all in need of a recognizable star.
By himself, no one fighter is going to make a difference in a promotional war. But Ortiz, former heavyweight champion Andrei Arlovski, Josh Koscheck, Mike Swick and two-time former heavyweight champion Tim Sylvia all have contracts that have either run out or are close to expiration. Losing most at the same time will give the public the impression the UFC must not be the be-all and end-all of the industry, particularly if several are seen shortly on a major television station with a competing promotion."

This fight is far more than merely entertainment. May 24th, 2008 will leave one individual both happy and successful. If Tito Ortiz wins this match, he will not only be gaining another victory, but also winning stardom and recognition in the upcoming sport the UFC rejuvenated.

"He'll be a free agent at a time he's at the top of the list of the most famous mixed matial artists in the country, in a business with many potential suitors who are all in need of a recognizable star."

However, if Machida should dominate the fight, he will be given a chance at conquering the heavy weight title he has so desperately desired and a shot at "connecting with an audience that has seen him win many times against lesser- known fighters, but has yet to react to him as a star."

For both fighters, winning this match will bring them a peice of stardom and the UFC a portion as well. It is apparent that all members in this fight are striving to make it to the top on their claim to fame, with the UFC in the lead...victorious either way.