Doing his best to perpetuate Strikeforce’s classless reputation, journeyman Joe Riggs spoke out against women’s MMA last week, responding to Sarah Kaufmann’s complaint that she doesn’t get enough exposure despite holding a belt at 135 pounds. I have to include his whole quote:
“I don’t know what that [Sarah Kaufman’] is talking about. She’s lucky to even be on TV. As long as [women fighters] don’t say things like they don’t want to be on the Challengers card and they want to be main events then they’re good. We’re the show. The men are what people are here to see.”
Wow. Nice guy. So – looking past Riggs’ general tackiness, is there any merit to what he said?
For the most part, I answer an emphatic “NO.” I paid good money to watch Gina Carano and Cyborg Santos headline a Strikeforce pay-per-view last year. The fight was a phenomenal display of striking and I felt I got my money’s worth and then some.
Hey, Joe. Guess what? I would never pay a cent for any card you headline. I don’t think I’d even watch it. You bore me. You’re not even good enough to fight in the UFC.
So I do believe that Riggs is wrong in stating that the men are always the top draw over the women. Simply not true. Die-hard MMA fans hold their breath and count the days until they get to see Cyborg unleash her Muay Thai fury again. I know I do.
On the other hand – Riggs inadvertently touched on one topic I raised a couple months back. Women’s MMA is exciting – at the top of the food chain. Cyborg and Sarah Kaufmann are worth watching. But I do worry that the talent level is thin and some women, like Jan Finney, can get badly hurt matched up with the elite.
Still – all that means is that women’s MMA is a work in progress. It doesn’t mean it’s not worth watching or putting on a nationally televised fight card. The matchmakers just have to work a little harder to keep fighters safe.
Now go back to your hole, Joe Riggs. I didn’t even know you were still alive until you were quoted speaking about a female fighter. You sure you’re a bigger name than Sarah Kaufmann?
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Sounds like Joe Riggs had some mother issues when he was a kid! Is he worried that a female fighter will become more popular than him? Whatta loser.