Mass Exodus of Fighters from the UFC?

Tito, Liddell, Arlovski, Couture... perhaps seeing them soon on CBS?

I don't think it is quite as big as some people seem to think. Tito has never gotten along with the UFC. Liddell will never leave - too loyal. Couture is trying, but he is tied up in his contract. Arlovski is a big question mark.

I've heard recently that M-1 is planning their first event featuring Fedor in Chicago. That could mean something since it is Arlovski's hometown, which could really help sell a fight.

Tito and Frank Shamrock seem to be both talking about a rematch, which might actually sell well.

Other than those fights, there isn't a lot out there for other fighters.

Tito Ortiz has long had delusions that he is worth a lot more than the UFC pays him. The fact that the UFC made him a millionaire seems lost on him as he continually bitches about his compensation. Fact is, he has one win over a credible opponent (Vitor Belfort) in his last 10 fights. He needs to STFU and get back to the form he had when he ruled the LHW division for so long. He needs to start fighting some credible opponents and more importantly, get some wins.

Liddell isn't going anywhere, he's made a ton of money and is set for life, now he just fights for sheer enjoyment. Tito should take note, you get big money for winning big fights and being exciting while doing it. Chuck is still the biggest star in the UFC, despite his recent losses because he always brings it, is exciting to watch, and most importantly, doesn't whine or make excuses.

Randy Couture's shining star has lost a lot of luster because of his unwillingness to honor his contract with the UFC. I have no sympathy for him, but I really would like to see him back in the UFC. But chances of that are not good, he's not getting any younger, and the rift between him and the UFC is growing wider each passing day.

Andre Arlovski's continuing stalemate with the UFC surrounds his inability to accept what the UFC is offering in the way of a contract. Andre thinks he's worth a lot more, most fans and the UFC think not. When Andre was on his way up, there wasn't a more dangerous and exciting HW in the world, he was knocking people out left and right and seemed unstoppable, especially after he fought Sylvia for the title. The wheels came off in the rematch, where Sylvia TKO'd him, and he's never been the same. Timidity does not garner top dollar in the fight game, Andre. Problem is, Andre loves living and fighting in the USA, and doesn't want to leave. Eventually, he'll take what the UFC is offering.

First let me say I am impressed with this site, the visitors are very informed and make some great observations. Obviously there are some long time fans of MMA here, it's great to see and read your comments.

I have heard so much about the UFC fighters leaving, do you think some of the veterans of the game are upset that the TUF "kids" are getting title shots and making some nice change while the "vets" are almost being punished by losing to the top fighters in the world. I can see the vets point, but I guess the answer is bring it every fight, act like you should and respect the boss. I think Dana should also look at the fighters leaving and remember that these are the guys along with great management of UFC that brought them to the point where they are now.

Seems like both sides have a valid point.

^^^I’m sure there are some UFC vets that are a bit miffed that the TUF kids seem to be getting all the play, but I don't think there are too many. What they have to realize is that TUF put the UFC, and by extension, MMA on the main-stream map, so to speak. They have to realize that the TUFers are the ones with face recognition due to their TV presence on the series, and in order to keep the newly garnered post-TUF fans vested in watching, attending and paying for their events, the UFC has to stay with those fighters for a major portion of the fights on any given card.

I’m sure you’ll agree that if it were the other way around, while fans like me that have been around since before UFC#1 would have no trouble recognizing the veteran fighters, post-TUF fans would not recognize many names, and would probably not be interested in watching, something the UFC needs to avoid at all costs if they wish to continue becoming more main-stream than they are now.

IMHO, If these vets looked at things objectively, they'd realize that the TUFers have done them a huge service and have made their lives better, with more events per year, more promotions to fight for, and higher purses in general. This translates into more opportunities to make a career out of being an MMA fighter, whereas prior to TUF, you had small regional promotions which didn’t pay much, and the UFC and PRIDE (and possibly K-1), which paid better but were difficult to break into unless you were considered amongst some of the best fighters in the world. Now, with TUF on Spike bringing MMA to the forefront, plus major networks like CBS and NBC starting to carry MMA events, fighters can actually quit their day-jobs and train and fight full-time, because they can now make enough money at it.

Who cares? Couture is making movies. Ortiz is fighting just to get name out in the media, hoping for another spot on the appentice I guess. Liddell seems to have lost his confidence since Rampage rocked his world, I mean come on a loss to Jardine in a decision. And Arlovski has to prove himself all over again after being away from the spotlight for so long. I think the UFC is ready for some new talent and there are plenty of good fighters out their willing to sacifice more for that glory and that big money.Bring on the young blood.

If you just pay attention, you can see the tide changing. A huge amount of the long standing icons went down one by one. Think about it, Hughes, Franklin, Sylvia, Liddell, This will continue to happen as long as their heads are so inflated.