We are living in an era where fighters can sit on a belt for a year, turn down top contenders, and somehow rise in the rankings based on pure hype and nostalgia. Meanwhile, active killers who are fighting three times a year and clearing out entire divisions get stalled out because they don’t have enough social media drama.

The UFC used to be a sport where you proved your worth strictly inside the cage. Now, it feels like your ranking is determined more by your ability to cut a viral promo or secure a gimmick belt than your actual record against top-five opponents.

If we want the sport to keep its integrity, the matchmakers need to stop protecting undefeated records and start forcing the champions to face the actual number-one contenders. Standing on the sidelines shouldn't keep you at the top. Let the divisions move, or let someone else take the crown.