was they were finally pushing a black/African fighter instead of their usual tactic of being indifferent at best and openly hostile at worst toward their black/non-white champs (Woodley, Demetrious Johnson, Cyborg, Nunes ) the way they push their unproven aryan dream children. (Note: I don't think Rousey deserves to be lumped in w/ the Sage Van Zants of the MMA world as she was on quite a tear albeit against lower level competition) But yeah when Rogan starts talking 'once-in-a-lifetime athlete shit' it is not a good look.

I think w/ N'gannou it was the perfect storm of him being white people's wet nightmare and the UFC being so desperate for stars that they can't help themselves. Stipe doesn't want to be a star, Brock is on the shelf and Cain hasn't fought in almost 2 years. And that is just the heavyweight division. So when they see something they like and think can generate interest and maybe sell PPVs to casuals they trip over themselves to take advantage of it. Problem is as you've noted that shit rarely works out and has ruined careers and fucked the sport into a cocked hat