UFC 308 is shaping up to be a blockbuster event

UFC 308 is shaping up to be a blockbuster event headlined by the highly anticipated Featherweight Championship bout between Ilia Topuria and Max Holloway. 

Set to take place on October 26, 2024, at the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi, this card has something for everyone.

Main Event: Ilia Topuria vs. Max Holloway (Featherweight Title Fight)

This will be Topuria's first defense of the featherweight belt after his impressive knockout of Alexander Volkanovski at UFC 298.

As one of the most exciting rising stars in the division, Topuria brings his undefeated record (15-0) and heavy hands into the octagon. 

He's a -275 favorite, with his elite boxing skills and relentless pressure earning him the moniker "El Matador." 

On the other side, Max Holloway, the former champion and fan favorite, is a +225 underdog, but his experience and durability make him a dangerous opponent. 

Holloway has never been knocked out in his career, and his legendary chin will be tested by Topuria's power​

Topuria has had back-and-forth exchanges with several fighters, including Conor McGregor, which has fueled interest in this fight. 

Should Topuria win convincingly, it could elevate him as a major UFC star, possibly setting up a future showdown with McGregor. 

But standing in his way is Holloway, whose volume striking and experience in title fights make him a formidable challenge.

Co-Main Event: Robert Whittaker vs. Khamzat Chimaev (Middleweight)

The co-main event features another marquee bout, with former middleweight champion Robert Whittaker taking on the undefeated Khamzat Chimaev. 

Chimaev, known for his explosive style and ability to finish fights both on the feet and on the ground, will finally be tested in a five-round fight. 

This is a big question mark for many, as we’ve yet to see how his cardio holds up in the later rounds. Currently, Chimaev is a -265 favorite against Whittaker (+210), a seasoned veteran who could push him into deep waters

Other Main Card Fights

Magomed Ankalaev vs. Aleksandar Rakić (Light Heavyweight): This fight pits two of the top contenders in the light heavyweight division against each other. Ankalaev is known for his measured striking and strong grappling, while Rakić has the power and athleticism to make this an exciting bout.

Lerone Murphy vs. Dan Ige (Featherweight): Murphy enters this fight undefeated (14-0-1) and looks to continue his rise in the division. Ige, a battle-tested featherweight, will try to derail the Murphy hype train.

Sharabutdin Magomedov vs. Armen Petrosyan (Middleweight): Magomedov, another undefeated fighter, will bring his unblemished record into the octagon, hoping to outclass Petrosyan in this middleweight contest.

Overall, UFC 308 offers an incredible mix of exciting title fights, undefeated fighters, and high-stakes matchups. 

Whether it's the Topuria vs. Holloway title fight or the five-round war between Chimaev and Whittaker, fans can expect fireworks in Abu Dhabi this Saturday.

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) = Expensive Sport

 Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) is often seen as an expensive sport, and several factors contribute to its high costs, along with some controversial gym practices that can make the experience feel more like a business transaction than a martial art.

Expensive Memberships

BJJ memberships are typically much higher than other martial arts or gym memberships. Depending on the location and prestige of the gym, memberships can range from $75 to $250 per month, with some gyms charging additional initiation fees. The high costs are sometimes justified by gym owners as necessary to cover overheads like rent (especially expensive in large cities like New York), utilities, and instructor wages. However, some argue that the high prices also contribute to creating an image of exclusivity and elitism in the sport while others do point to often nicer facilities at the more expensive gyms and more extensive / full-time type training schedules allowing for the more serious competitors.

Long-Term Contracts and Hidden Fees

One of the most frustrating aspects for many students is being locked into long-term contracts. Many gyms require students to commit to six months or even a year of training, which can make it difficult to leave if the gym isn’t a good fit. Breaking these contracts often involves hefty cancellation fees, and some gyms may even sell the contract to debt collectors if payments are missed. Additionally, hidden fees are a common complaint. Some gyms charge extra for belt tests or promotions, even though the assessment should be part of regular training.

Mandatory Gear Purchases

In some BJJ academies, students are required to purchase branded uniforms from the gym, often at a high markup. This practice is especially prevalent in larger franchises e.g. Gracie Barra, Alliance and Roger Gracie Academy, where students are told that only the official gym-branded gis or rashguards are acceptable. The cost of these branded uniforms can be significantly higher than non-branded alternatives, creating an additional financial burden on students. In some cases, gyms even require students to regularly update their uniforms, further adding to the cost.

Seminars as a Revenue Stream

BJJ seminars, which feature guest instructors or famous black belts, are often marketed as essential learning opportunities. However, they are also a significant source of revenue for gyms and instructors. Seminar fees can range from $50 to $300, depending on the instructor's reputation, and students are often pressured to attend. While seminars can be a valuable part of learning BJJ, the financial strain they place on students has led to criticism, particularly when the seminars feel more like cash grabs than genuine educational experiences. The reality is that it is very hard to pickup a lot from a single seminar.

Historical and Cultural Roots of BJJ's Cost

The roots of BJJ’s high costs may also be linked to its history. The Gracie family, who popularized BJJ, were from Brazil’s upper class, and the sport initially catered to wealthier individuals. This legacy of exclusivity still influences how BJJ is marketed and priced today. Additionally, compared to other martial arts like Judo, which is often subsidized in some countries due to its Olympic status, BJJ does not receive the same financial support, which can drive up costs for practitioners.

Conclusion

While BJJ offers immense benefits in terms of fitness, discipline, and skill, the high costs, long-term contracts, mandatory gear purchases, and expensive seminars can make it financially inaccessible for many. It’s essential for potential students to carefully consider these factors and research gym policies before committing to long-term contracts. BJJ gyms should aim to strike a balance between maintaining financial sustainability and providing an inclusive, accessible environment for all practitioners.

As BJJ grows however, this will change as competition between gyms will start to become a factor and there are more blackbelts in a given area.