Inside the UFC is a testosterone-charged TV “news” show hosted by veteran UFC commentator Joe Rogan. The show’s various segments focus on upcoming UFC fights, highlights from recent UFC fights, and interviews with current UFC fighters. Yes, there is a pattern here. The show is 100% focused on the Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) world of the UFC franchise. For those of us who also watch Pride and K-1 events, it seems a little one-sided. But considering the UFC pretty much has the MMA market in the US cornered, I guess it is covering most of the bases. Thankfully, Rogan does occasionally ask some insightful questions of his guests, which raises the show above the level of a simple UFC infomercial.

The interviews provide some insight into what drives these fighters to train as hard as they do and what their personal lives outside of the Octagon are like. Unfortunately, we still have to watch some of those irritating pre-fight commercials we see before every UFC PPV event. You know the ones…

UFC 379: The Castration

Fighter 1: “I’m just going to come out there and ya know, go wild. That’s my game plan. Just go wild and punish him with fists, knees, and elbows. He’s going to think his skull is a maraca when I’m done with him.”
Fighter 2: “If he thinks he can just come out there and exert his will on me he’s got another thing coming. I’ve got skills he’s never seen. Trust me, when that bell rings it’s my hand that they’ll be raising.”

After about the 50th time of seeing these commercials I’m screaming at the TV! “I get it. You’re going to beat the crap out of this punk and he says he’s going to beat the crap out of you. But he’s a dumb-ass and doesn’t know what he’s talking about cause he’s never faced a bad-ass like you.” I get it, just bring on the damn fight!

Thankfully, Inside the UFC’s other commercial breaks are much more enjoyable. In fact, a horny teenager…or middle-age guy, for that matter, couldn’t ask for more. 30 Seconds of a Hot Chick is exactly what the name implies. A bikini-clad woman lying on a sofa reading a magazine for 30 seconds. Genius! Pure genius! Or another commercial segment called Because We Can with three bikini-clad women playing twister. Wow, give me more of that, except that at my age I occasionally see one of these girls and think, “Hmmm, she looks a little like my niece. Maybe I shouldn’t be watching this…”

Inside the UFC is by no means a perfect show. Coverage of other combat sports and explanation of common MMA techniques would give the show more depth. As it is, the show doesn’t take itself too seriously and revels in the fact that MMA is one of the fastest growing sports in the US. It is a show and a sport that is now in it’s adolescence and perhaps this “immaturity” is what gives it it’s charm.

3 Octagon Warriors out of 5
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