Fighting Visibility: Sports Media and Female Athletes in the UFC

The UFC has successfully incorporated women into its media ventures and has become a top draw for female athletes. However, the promotion's efforts to promote diversity and inclusion have been criticized for exploiting women of color, lesbians, gender non-conforming women, and others. Jennifer McClearen's book "Fighting Visibility" explores how the UFC's half-hearted efforts at representation generate profit and cultural cachet while covering up the fact it exploits these women.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 256 pages
Publication date: 30 March 2021
Publisher: University of Illinois Press

The Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) has witnessed a remarkable surge in popularity among female athletes, thanks to the emergence of stars like Amanda Nunes, Zhang Weili, and Ronda Rousey. In her insightful analysis, Jennifer McClearen explores how the promotion seamlessly integrates women into its diverse media ventures. She delves into the complexities surrounding female inclusion, shedding light on both the positive and negative aspects. On the one hand, the undeniable appeal of cards featuring women adds much-needed diversity to the sporting landscape. On the other hand, the UFC strategically leverages an illusion of promoting difference, whether it be gender, race, ethnicity, or sexual orientation, to expand its empire at a relatively low cost by utilizing a pool of female fighters that can be easily replaced. McClearen's compelling work unveils how the UFC's half-hearted efforts at representation not only generate profit but also cultivate cultural cachet, all while obscuring the fact that they exploit women of color, lesbians, gender non-conforming women, and other marginalized groups.

Thought-provoking and timely, Fighting Visibility delves into the story of how a sports entertainment phenomenon has embraced diversity as a core part of its brand, while also highlighting the sacrifices that women have made in pursuit of success. The book serves as a powerful reminder of the ongoing challenges faced by women in sports and the need for greater representation and equality.

In conclusion, Fighting Visibility is a must-read for anyone interested in the intersection of sports, gender, and culture. McClearen's insightful analysis provides valuable insights into the complex dynamics of the UFC and its impact on women's sports. Through her compelling storytelling, she challenges us to think critically about the role of women in the world of sports and advocates for a more inclusive and equitable future.

Weight: 354g
Dimension: 154 x 228 x 19 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780252085727