MMA  like any other form of entertainment is a niche and will therefore appeal to a certain niche market. Do you suppose that the gladitorial games 2,000 years ago drew in little old ladies,  philsophers, and the Vestal Virgins? To the niche that like MMA, it isn't violent enough. As for me I tend to get bored by the 2nd round of the 1st match. The matches never seem to live up to the hype.