Headliner wrote:Justin just isn’t business smart.
He’s talked openly about not wanting a long career - red flag to your employers. They will look to give opportunities to longer term investments.
You get mauled in a title fight, then go on to rip your employer in the media…who has full control of your career.
Like he’s done nothing to help himself with except have an exciting style. I like Justin, just didn’t play his cards well imo.
Not trying to nitpick too much, but I think much of that could be argued the other way. For example...
- Justin not wanting a long career (as a banger) also benefits the UFC in that he's laying it all out there as an exciting fighter, which is exactly what they want. Also, I don't think a predatory operation like the UFC gives much of a damn about fighter longevity. Other than the fact that they want durable yes-men who they can order around and chronically underpay.
- I don't think it's fair to say Justin got mauled by Khabib when pretty much everyone gets mauled by the guy. It's ordinary and unremarkable, and barely a knock on him going forward IMO.
- I agree it's never good to rip the hypersensitive tomato-head, but the alternative is being an obnoxious sh-t talker who helps build fake drama so as to fleece casuals and blood sport fans. But to me it's beyond embarrassing that a UFC fighter's ability to get paid fairly usually relies on jettisoning one's dignity, class, respect... things like that. I.e., many of the same principals that any good MMA gym try to teach. So I really can't fault Justin for keeping it real, and hopefully he'll indeed move on from this predatory business for his and his family's sake. Like, why not retire early and become one of the top trainers at a gym, maybe?