Kim Couture on TV: Not a horrible idea
March 16, 2009 – 1:19 pm by Shawn
Ryan made a post earlier today about how Strikeforce putting Kim Couture on the televised portion of their May card is complete bullshit. In the spirit of friendly debate (and in the hopes that Kim will leave Randy for me one day) I say nay.
What we all need to remember is that until women’s MMA gains some traction here in the states, Strikeforce is going to continue the EliteXC model of promoting women — and rightfully so. They’ll focus on women who are are hot (Michelle Waterson), can kick the shit out of people (Cyborg Santos), or have both of those qualities (Gina Carano). This isn’t different from how we promote male fighters — or how Hollywood promotes celebrities. Looking at it another way, you are either incredibly talented at your craft (Cyborg), you might be fairly average at your craft but have some other quality that makes you valuable (Waterson), or, ideally, you possess the best of both (Gina). When it comes down to it, you need to stand out.
That’s why all the fuss about Kaitlin Young not getting her contract bought out was unwarranted. She got a ton of exposure fighting on CBS and, despite the loss, she put up a helluva fight. She’ll be able to get fights when she’s good and ready. Despite that, with a 4-2 record, fairly average skills, and nothing entirely spectacular about her that would be overly valuable to a promoter, Strikeforce passed. Kim Couture, on the other hand, has serious name value and, if she can start winning, the audience will grow attached to her and want to see her evolve. Think Forrest Griffin coming off of TUF1.
One criticism of Strikeforce’s decision is that Kim’s record stands at 1-1. This is supposedly a knock against Strikeforce’s credibility for sticking such an inexperienced fighter on the televised portion. The UFC put Brock Lesnar on television in a heavily advertised fight when he was only 1-0. Matt Hamill’s MMA debut was in the UFC and I’m pretty sure that was televised. While Kim might not have the star power of Lesnar or the wrestling prowess/TUF alum status/deaf following of Hamill, I wouldn’t say she’s entirely different from others who have been thrust into the spotlight with little experience. She’s hot, she appears to have some skills, and she has that famous last name. Let’s just be happy this isn’t Japan; it’s not like Strikeforce is sticking TV personalities and cartoon characters in televised fights.
The argument could be made that the girl should get more experience in a prelim fight or two before she gets back on TV, but in a time when Strikeforce is desperate for some name value, putting her right back in the spotlight makes sense. Despite that, it will be complete bullshit if she gets matched up with somebody else who doesn’t want to be in the cage with her. But is the simple fact of Kim Couture getting TV time bullshit? No. It’s good business. And who knows — maybe this time she’s involved in an exciting fight.
