Mammoth Blog

UFC light heavyweight fighter Houston Alexander has signed a five-fight contract extension with the UFC. Alexander is 2-2 inside the Octagon, including losing his last two fights in very decisive fashion after debuting with the promotion with two equally dramatic victories.

Alexander fights next on September 15 against Eric Schafer at UFC Fight Night 14.

Based on recent moves by the UFC in which fighters have been cut for prolonged losing streaks, one would have thought that another loss by Alexander would doom his UFC career. However, the news of this contract extension tells a different story.

How was Alexander, who is already 36 and has only a very limited realistic shot at the title in the UFC's deepest division, able to negotiate an extension when better fighters have been cut?

Most likely because despite what Dana White says publicly, MMA is not just about the best fighters fighting each other and the UFC gets this. It's also about entertainment and putting fans in seats and in front of TV's (see Brock Lesnar fighting for the heavyweight title after only two fights in the Octagon or EliteXC's heavy reliance on Kimbo Slice and Gina Carano.)

So, while Alexander may never be a legit contender, he does have a physique, an aggressive stand-up style, and a back story (DJ, single father raising six kids, donated his kidney to his daughter) that makes him a fan favorite and also makes him quite marketable. Alexander may not win every fight he's in but his scraps are always quick, entertaining, and decisive (one way or another.)

This all translates to more cash in the UFC's coffers. So, contender or not, re-signing Alexander is simply good business. source>>>