One of the biggest problems is that Dana White continues to promote the sport as a "Bloody slop fest" entertainment.
So, the fans are not able to evolve to appreaciate the "tactical" and realistic approach to fighting. For example, if an NFL running back or wide receiver develops an uncanny ability to never get hit, the people who promote the NFL are not going to throw that athlete under the bus and say "he is a pussy who makes the sport look soft."
They are going to promote that athlete as a "genius" with an uncanny ability to avoid contact. And on the flipside, the athletes who are able to truck through people are going to be promoted as "beast mode."
That creates a fan base that is able to enjoy LeVeon Bell and Marshawn Lynch without needing to disparage one player or another.
The majority of the MMA Community (from the promoter, fighters, coaches, media down to fans) can only appreciate "Bloody Slopfest" fighters. Even GSP's point fighting was tolrate because he bruised easily, and often looked like a bloody mess, even in shutout performances. Because "blood" means good fight in MMA.
Dana White either needs to change his approach or WME needs to find a better promoter, because the "bloody sloppy" fighter will become extinct as more athletes start to gravitate to the sport, and the margin of error becomes smaller and smaller.
The UFC needs to start promoting all types of styles. If a guy is a boring point fighter, then promote him as a "chess master." Make videos like "The BJJ Scout" and get other experts to talk about why that fighter is so special. Educate the fans.
If the fighter is a Bloody Sloppy Fighter, then promote him as a "barbaric savage."
By always throwing tacticians under the bus, Dana White limits the range of what the fans can consider as a "good fight." He is essentially shooting himself in the foot, because those fighters are going to generate less money.
The guy sucks as a promoter, and I believe he limits the growth of the sport. The sport would growth much faster with a better promoter.