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Comment by sleazebreeze | Hacker News Reader

Isn't this basically the plot of Million Dollar Baby or Maximus's first fights in Gladiator? The fighter in both movies wins all their fights very quickly. The difference is that in Gladiator, he is told to slow down and give the crowd a spectacle. In Million Dollar Baby, nobody wants to fight her without extra participation money.

I wonder what kind of pressure is being applied to Rousey by her manager, agent and fight organizers?

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Well, I heard an opinion that the thing is pretty similar with what you said about "Gladiator". Basically, professional sport is business. For it to be profitable it must attract people (basically, to sell tickets, abut perhaps even more importantly — sell adds for higher prices). And to attract people it must entertain them.

All this Ronda-centered marketing stuff (like this whole thread, actually) seems to do her well, but otherwise it's just not interesting to watch a fight that lasts for 15 seconds and ends with submission by the armbar. Every time.

> it's just not interesting to watch a fight that lasts for 15 seconds and ends with submission by the armbar. Every time.

Three of her last four fights were KO or TKO. She can win with more than just the armbar.

That said, I think you're underestimating the amount of people that tune in on the potential to see her lose. Rousey's skill attracts a lot of fans, but her attitude and status have definitely attracted plenty who would love to watch her get beat, as well.

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