Bonnar/Ortiz fight announced at Mohegan Sun, but was it the right way?

During an interlude in the main card at Bellator 123, Bellator MMA President Scott Coker announced the signing of UFC veteran Stephen Bonnar. During the announcement, Bonnar (best known for his appearances on the first season of The Ultimate Fighter that included a now-legendary fight with Forrest Griffin) attempted to get the crowd stoked for his Nov. 15 fight in Michigan with former UFC light heavyweight Tito Ortiz by verbally blasting his opponent. He added that former partners and friends were "coming out of the woodwork because they want to see me kick his ass," throwing in a few jibes at Ortiz's fans for good measure.

During the oddly-overdone tirade, which was worthy of Chael Sonnen, a well-dressed man with an executioner's hood over his head was brought into the cage along with the Bellator representatives surrounding Bonnar. Someone removed the hood and it was (surprise!) Ortiz....

Ortiz ranted about how no one talked trash about his friends, fans and family. "That's personal," said Ortiz before a brawl broke out and the men were separated.

I enjoy pro-wrestling as much as any other fan of combat sports, but was this kind of stagey attempt to build buzz really the correct way to generate interest? Many of the press and fans at the event seemed to disagree and expressed dismay.

Sparking interest in an MMA event can be difficult regardless of the quality of the fighters. But are these kinds of antics really the way to gain interest? MMA fans are a little more cynical about that kind of showmanship and it can put off the purists. What viewers should Bellator attract and how should they do it?