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“If there was ever going to be any kind of age of accountability in the sport, at least for now, the window is closed.”
This is what Luke Thomas said to me when I asked him about the state of the mixed martial arts landscape during an appearance on the Sports Politika podcast ahead of UFC 300.
The renowned MMA analyst and pundit was right. From the demise of investigative media outlets that once held the powerful to account to the UFC solidifying its monopolistic control over the industry after settling a decade-old antitrust lawsuit, little stands in the way of the MMA's largest organization from maintaining its dominance in the sport.
Beyond the depressing state of MMA, I also asked Luke about the rise of sovereign wealth funds investing in MMA and whether we could see the UFC being sold to Saudi Arabia or the United Arab Emirates. His answers may surprise you.
Listen to the episode through the player above (or on your favourite platform) and let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
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How the UFC won (with Luke Thomas)