It’s not all that unusual for the UFC and Bellator to run events opposite each other. MMA, after all, is like business, a bloodsport. But at least from the view inside the bubble, this one felt different. Part of that was because the dazzling ascent of UFC heavyweight Francis Ngannou seemed destined to be reaching its zenith; part was due to Bellator producing a major card as it helped introduce the newly launched Paramount Network.
There were actual things at stake on Saturday night other than bragging rights, but this sport being what it is, we knew the only thing we could really predict was the bizarre to show up early and stay late.