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UFC fans slam new fight-week face-offs introduced after Paramount deal
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- UFC fans slam new fight-week face-offs introduced after Paramount deal
Photo by Cooper Neill/Zuffa LLC
The UFC's new fight-week presentation has drawn criticism from fans after a different style of face-off was introduced following the promotion's deal with Paramount.
Clips circulating online show fighters taking part in more staged face-offs earlier in fight week, with a more cinematic setup than the traditional staredowns typically seen at press conferences and ceremonial weigh-ins.
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The change has quickly become a talking point among MMA fans.
UFC fans criticise new Paramount fight week face-offs
Photo by Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC
A clip shared on X showing the new format prompted strong reactions from viewers.
Some fans suggested the added face-offs feel unnecessary and overly produced.
One user wrote: "Honestly ruins the intensity for fight week. Imagine if two guys hate each other but they're obligated to be cordial for 2 minutes."
Another added: "Not a fan of these paramount faceoffs, save it for the ceremonials."
"Paramount is trying to make everything theatrical like it's some kind of a movie. They don't really understand combat sports, so they're forcing the product to adapt to their skillset, which is just making things awkward for the fighters," a third fan stated.
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The consensus appears to be that the new style removes the spontaneity normally seen during traditional fight week events.
Max Holloway calls the format "absolutely ridiculous"
UFC star Max Holloway has also questioned the idea of multiple face-offs before the fight itself.
Reacting to the new setup, 'Blessed' said: "Absolutely ridiculous. I don't know why I wanna be facing off with this guy 3 or 4 times before the actual fight."
Traditionally, fighters only come face-to-face at key moments such as press conferences and the ceremonial weigh-ins. However, Paramount seems poised to change it.
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