Non-threadworthy MMA Rumors/Quotes/Tweets/Etc., Vol. 4

[Jasen777]

So if Rory (for example) said allowing independent sponsors with Bellator would pay him X, the UFC could match X through other sources of compensation? Higher fight pay, individual Reebok deal, PPV points, whatever.

Yes. And it seems like the last employer has a big edge in keeping the fighter if there's litigation for matching clauses. Just hope if Rory is counting on PPV points he gets a guarantee of being on PPV. Though I don't really think they'd play games with Rory.

[Jasen777]

Anyways, Bellator probably has to overpay to get many free agents.

He added that his Bellator contract is a four-fight deal and every fight is a guaranteed six-figure purse. Mitrione said he's now "making double" what the UFC offered him as show and win money....

Also part of Mitrione's deal is a color commentary gig with Bellator Kickboxing. He'll be debuting on the inaugural show April 16.

I like to see fighters get paid but I really don't know what he brings as kickboxing color commentator.

[REDDzone]

I think he said that was independent of the bellator deal. But if he had re-signed with the ufc then they wouldn't have let him do it.

Also, he said the reebok deal was a huge part of this.

[SDM]

UFC pays out something like 9% of its operating revenue in purses, and I'd rather see the narrative shift to UFC underpaying guys and Bellator negotiating fair market, not this weirdoland theory where UFC pays appropriately and Bellator smokes crack and makes ridiculous offers.

[REDDzone]

Rory talking about how he has taken a lot of chances and did a lot of favors for the ufc...and doesn't feel like it has been returned. So he will test free agency to get as much money as possible.

Hopefully he gets what he is worth and isn't left in the dust because Bellator blew their wad on Matt Mitrione lol.

[SDM]

I'm thinking Mitrione is someone for Rampage, Mo, or Kimbo. I'd watch a Mitrione/Lashley fight... he gives them options. It'll be money well spent.

[Jasen777]

UFC pays out something like 9% of its operating revenue in purses, and I'd rather see the narrative shift to UFC underpaying guys and Bellator negotiating fair market, not this weirdoland theory where UFC pays appropriately and Bellator smokes crack and makes ridiculous offers.

Sure I don't what to distort that the UFC is badly underpaying fighters as a group. However, unless Viacom is willing to operate at a loss (which it's unlikely to be, long term), Bellator does not have anywhere near the money that the UFC does, nor the ability to cash in on the fighters they have as the UFC via PPV.

[Jasen777]

Don't want to go all No Fun League - but this sort of thing is dangerous (the no look back flip off the cage).

Justin Gaethje suspended indefinitely for 'unsportsmanlike conduct'

[REDDzone]

I didn't realize they had warned him prior. In that case I'm fine with the suspension. That said, stop with the 'indefinitely" bs. Suspend him or don't, but at least define it.

[REDDzone]

Sounds like NY is gonna get done.

[Jasen777]

I didn't realize they had warned him prior. In that case I'm fine with the suspension. That said, stop with the 'indefinitely" bs. Suspend him or don't, but at least define it.

"Indefinite" means one day now.

Justin Gaethje taken off ‘indefinite suspension' after talk with Colorado commission

We can't have fighter back flipping off the cage and, like that guy in Bellator, landing on cameramen. But don't know what they should make the penalty.

[lilfishi22]

These AC's seem to love the headline of "indefinite suspensions" more than anything. If you aren't sure on what kind of punishment a fighter should serve for breaking the rules, then just say you're working out what punishment is fair before pre-emptively saying indefinite suspension

[REDDzone]

Headed to watch some live mma this Saturday.

Excited to see some mma in person again, haven't been to an event in years. Just a local/regional show here in Milwaukee. Rick is fighting so gotta show some support, usually on smaller shows the fighter's purse is tied to how many tickets he can sell.

[Jasen777]

How is an event in person? I guess at a local show you could get decent seats anyways.

[REDDzone]

Its pretty surreal actually, at least some of the really small midwestern mma events I've been to. Its not like celebrities/untouchable athletes like how you think of ufc fighters. Oftentimes the fighters co-mingle with the crowd both before and after their fights and the crowds are small enough that it matters.

I remember seeing Shonie Carter fight once, he came out to the cage and as you know he's always really flamboyant and charismatic. He was the same way after the fight for the crowd, but all they had for a locker room was a little corner in the gym with a curtain that didn't even offer any privacy. You could see him sitting in a chair inside with his head buried in his hands, just trying to shake off the pain of the punches. Can't even imagine how little he had been paid for that fight.

Another crazy aspect is the undercards of local/regional events are usually stacked with amateurs who don't even get paid usually and the level of mma is sometimes terrible, and honestly in some cases terrifying (as in, when a legit fighter who has a potential career as a professional mma fighter gets matched up with a local hobbyist who has no business being in the cage). It happens all the time and you can see it coming a mile away. A chunky dude walking to the cage in a random pair of athletic shorts, looking around like wtf am I doing here? Then his opponent, former wrestler or current kickboxer from the big gym in town with an entourage behind him walks in. I've seen dudes step in the cage who were whitebelts in every aspect, and those fights usually last less than 10 seconds literally before nighty night.

Sorry for the long explanation, but it really is crazy if you've never experienced it. The midwest mma scene in particular is kind of infamous for being a sh*tshow lol. Its also funny because usually these shows will have a semi-legit headliner. Gotta wonder what the former ufc guys, etc. think of fighting on shows like that.

edit: This event this weekend may be super professional. No clue. I do know half the card is amateurs though.

[Jasen777]

Its pretty surreal actually, at least some of the really small midwestern mma events I've been to.

So this is a step (or more) below orgs like RFA?

[CPT]

I try to go to Road FC events here in Korea once or twice a year. Kind of expensive ($50 and up for a regional promotion, used to be way less), but usually the fights are decent, good production value, ridiculously hot ring girls, and overall a good time.

There's usually an inordinate amount of stoppages for groin shots though. Usually a few 5 minute breaks and often one that just ends a fight completely.

[REDDzone]

Its pretty surreal actually, at least some of the really small midwestern mma events I've been to.

So this is a step (or more) below orgs like RFA?

Yes. Just based on the fact that most people here have probably heard of RFA.

[GetBuLLish]

How is an event in person? I guess at a local show you could get decent seats anyways.

I've gone to a number of Chicago ones. They are usually a good time. Also, they really make you appreciate just how amazing UFC fighters are.

[Jasen777]

Also, they really make you appreciate just how amazing UFC fighters are.

Most of the fight pass fighters do that. I can only imagine amateurs and the real low level pros.