MMA has a wider universe than just the UFC. You probably know that, but do you really know it?
Yes, the UFC tends the strings for a massive portion of the sport's athletic talent. But not all of it. They probably would if they could, but all that consumption would mean painful bloating for a company hell bent on a leaner profile.
Bellator, ONE Championship, World Series of Fighting and other shows major and minor, international and local have legitimate fighters on their rosters. Those fighters compete at a high level no matter what banner they're under, and they deserve to be celebrated.