Luke Thomas Gets Politics: MMA journalism is in trouble. Once a critical check on promoters and managers, the industry is being pushed aside by influencer-driven coverage that prizes access and hype over truth. In this video, we break down why the traditional role of watchdog journalism is fading in combat sports and what might replace it.

From UFC finances to fighter contracts, serious reporting has always struggled to find a market. Now, the explosive rise of influencer media threatens to push out the few outlets and reporters still holding power players accountable. While fans may enjoy flashy interviews and insider access, the real cost is a sport increasingly built on unchecked narratives and industry-approved talking points.

We explore the uncomfortable reality: audiences often prefer half-truths and spectacle over inconvenient facts. If journalism disappears entirely, what happens to transparency in the fight game? Who will call out shady business practices, or reveal the truths fans aren’t supposed to hear?

This discussion looks at the crossroads of MMA media: will watchdog reporting survive, or is the future all about influencers feeding fans what they want to hear?

Learn more, and join in on the conversation on Luke’s Substack: https://lthomas.substack.com/

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Chapters

00:00 Why MMA media is in trouble

01:10 Boxing vs MMA media

02:05 The value of watchdog reporting

03:20 Influencers replacing journalism

04:30 Lies sell better than truth

05:45 The market for “bullshit”

07:00 Why sites may not survive

08:15 How managers benefit from influencers

09:40 The danger of unchecked narratives

11:00 Can watchdog reporting still exist?