McGregor isn't here for MMA purists

Underground
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It's obvious the guy took two belts for a reason. It's obvious he has talent that's extraordinary. I just think the sport has been hijacked by the mainstream. We're watching the biggest event in combat sports ever... with a UFC fighter against a boxer, and meanwhile McGregor hasn't defended a belt in the UFC. Just think of the fights we could have seen had Conor defended his belts. Everyone else in the conversation of GOAT had to fight the best guys in the rankings, they had no choice.

I kind of wish McGregor didn't have the personality and draw he has just so we could see him test himself, defend his belts, and fight the toughest contenders because he wouldn't have the option of taking fights only for money.

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mix headroom -

It's obvious the guy took two belts for a reason. It's obvious he has talent that's extraordinary. I just think the sport has been hijacked by the mainstream. We're watching the biggest event in combat sports ever... with a UFC fighter against a boxer, and meanwhile McGregor hasn't defended a belt in the UFC. Just think of the fights we could have seen had Conor defended his belts. Everyone else in the conversation of GOAT had to fight the best guys in the rankings, they had no choice.

I kind of wish McGregor didn't have the personality and draw he has just so we could see him test himself, defend his belts, and fight the toughest contenders because he wouldn't have the option of taking fights only for money.

I agree.

He still has a good 5 years of being in his prime.

Best case scenario is he gets his big crazy pay day from this fight (hopefully wins)

Then comes back and spends the rest of career in the ufc defending his belts.

So many style match ups in the UFC i want to see him tested against.

Boxing is ultimatley boring as fuck and predictable.

Get your money and come back to MMA Conor.

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This is a UFC problem, not a McGregor problem excusively.

Look at Mighty Mouse, refusing title challengers that are not to his liking.

Look at Bisping, only defending against those approaching 50 years of age or those who have been retired for years.

GDR defend her belt? Not a chance.

Jon Jones has been stripped of his title 3 times now and they continue to give him immediate title shots when he returns.

UFC is at fault here for not only allowing the practice of selecting opponents, but by encouraging it and down right devaluing the championship.

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SinCityHustler - This is a UFC problem, not a McGregor problem excusively.

Look at Mighty Mouse, refusing title challengers that are not to his liking.

Look at Bisping, only defending against those approaching 50 years of age or those who have been retired for years.

GDR defend her belt? Not a chance.

Jon Jones has been stripped of his title 3 times now and they continue to give him immediate title shots when he returns.

UFC is at fault here for not only allowing the practice of selecting opponents, but by encouraging it and down right devaluing the championship.

I got your back on this argument Sin.

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SinCityHustler - This is a UFC problem, not a McGregor problem excusively.

Look at Mighty Mouse, refusing title challengers that are not to his liking.

Look at Bisping, only defending against those approaching 50 years of age or those who have been retired for years.

GDR defend her belt? Not a chance.

Jon Jones has been stripped of his title 3 times now and they continue to give him immediate title shots when he returns.

UFC is at fault here for not only allowing the practice of selecting opponents, but by encouraging it and down right devaluing the championship.

Mighty Mouse and Jones did fight all the contenders though. Bisping is #11 p4p for a reason. Not really sure how he applies to this conversation.

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mix headroom - 
SinCityHustler - This is a UFC problem, not a McGregor problem excusively.

Look at Mighty Mouse, refusing title challengers that are not to his liking.

Look at Bisping, only defending against those approaching 50 years of age or those who have been retired for years.

GDR defend her belt? Not a chance.

Jon Jones has been stripped of his title 3 times now and they continue to give him immediate title shots when he returns.

UFC is at fault here for not only allowing the practice of selecting opponents, but by encouraging it and down right devaluing the championship.

Mighty Mouse and Jones did fight all the contenders though. Bisping is #11 p4p for a reason. Not really sure how he applies to this conversation.

If Mighty Mouse fought all the contenders, one would think it’s the perfect time to take on a challenger coming from another weight class and calling him out. It validates him as an actual champ, not merely a ruler over an extremely shallow division. It also gives him the PPV points he has never received, and he provides a 125 bout that’s finally compelling. What did the p4p #1 guy in the world opt for? A guy named Borg who has missed weight twice and who has only won 2 fights since being defeated.

Bisping applies to the discussion because although in make believe rankings he’s #11, in reality he’s #1 at middle weight. He’s a champion and one who has a platform as host of their TV show (No idea what it is, I do not watch it). He’s a very visible champion and he adds to the lack of structure or set direction by the company, by refusing to face actual contenders.

It makes no sense to reward Jones with immediate title shot if they have had to strip him repeatedly for cheating and for breaking the rules. I get it, he’s a big draw and they need to showcase him. They can absolutely do that with out giving him the return title shot. It would hurt nothing other than Jon Jone’s pride if they made him win 1 single bout before getting to challenge for the belt they keep having to take away from him.

Throw in there the repeated manufacturing on interim belts and you have even less stability in the company in terms of the championship. They cyborg as their champion without a single opponent existing in her division. And who did she beat for the belt? A girl from a lower weight class. None of that screams out stay in your lane, we’re a serious league here. None of it at all.

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SinCityHustler -
mix headroom - 
SinCityHustler - This is a UFC problem, not a McGregor problem excusively.

Look at Mighty Mouse, refusing title challengers that are not to his liking.

Look at Bisping, only defending against those approaching 50 years of age or those who have been retired for years.

GDR defend her belt? Not a chance.

Jon Jones has been stripped of his title 3 times now and they continue to give him immediate title shots when he returns.

UFC is at fault here for not only allowing the practice of selecting opponents, but by encouraging it and down right devaluing the championship.

Mighty Mouse and Jones did fight all the contenders though. Bisping is #11 p4p for a reason. Not really sure how he applies to this conversation.

If Mighty Mouse fought all the contenders, one would think it’s the perfect time to take on a challenger coming from another weight class and calling him out. It validates him as an actual champ, not merely a ruler over an extremely shallow division. It also gives him the PPV points he has never received, and he provides a 125 bout that’s finally compelling. What did the p4p #1 guy in the world opt for? A guy named Borg who has missed weight twice and who has only won 2 fights since being defeated.

Bisping applies to the discussion because although in make believe rankings he’s #11, in reality he’s #1 at middle weight. He’s a champion and one who has a platform as host of their TV show (No idea what it is, I do not watch it). He’s a very visible champion and he adds to the lack of structure or set direction by the company, by refusing to face actual contenders.

It makes no sense to reward Jones with immediate title shot if they have had to strip him repeatedly for cheating and for breaking the rules. I get it, he’s a big draw and they need to showcase him. They can absolutely do that with out giving him the return title shot. It would hurt nothing other than Jon Jone’s pride if they made him win 1 single bout before getting to challenge for the belt they keep having to take away from him.

Throw in there the repeated manufacturing on interim belts and you have even less stability in the company in terms of the championship. They cyborg as their champion without a single opponent existing in her division. And who did she beat for the belt? A girl from a lower weight class. None of that screams out stay in your lane, we’re a serious league here. None of it at all.

I don’t think anyone would argue Bisping is a p4p GOAT though. Not comparable to the likes of Anderson, Fedor, Jones, or Mighty Mouse. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not blaming Conor. I’m just saying I kind of wish his personality was less of a factor so we as fans could see some of the real MMA fights. Multiple title defenses. If Conor is capable of going on a Jones/Silva style run in his division, I for one would like to see that.

I understand that the business is different, but a lot of that was Conor’s own self marketing. He helped a lot to bring about that change. It’s definitely smart to fight for the biggest check when you have limited time to earn money in your prime, I can’t fault him for that, I just can’t help but think maybe we’re missing out on some historic fights for MMA.

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I don’t necessarily think we are in disagreement here. I don’t fault Conor either. I fault UFC. Conor is looking out for Conor and UFC has to find a balance in keeping integrity for their championship (they’ve had to strip him once already, and they had to sit him down at UFC 200) but they are not doing enough. Zero title defenses is inexcusable. The gift shot at Alvarez despite his refusal to defend at 145 is unacceptable. I’m all for the company working with the fighter, but it can’t be at the expense of the integrity of the sport (spectacle).

I am a Conor fight fan, not so much the screaming and the black cock down his pants, talk. I too would like to see them actually make compelling fights for their top stars. What would it hurt to have Georges fight 1 single bout at 185 and not have him cut the line while contenders sit on the sideline? That short term money grab approach kills the legitimacy of the sport (I find it difficult to even call t that).

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SinCityHustler - I don't necessarily think we are in disagreement here. I don't fault Conor either. I fault UFC. Conor is looking out for Conor and UFC has to find a balance in keeping integrity for their championship (they've had to strip him once already, and they had to sit him down at UFC 200) but they are not doing enough. Zero title defenses is inexcusable. The gift shot at Alvarez despite his refusal to defend at 145 is unacceptable. I'm all for the company working with the fighter, but it can't be at the expense of the integrity of the sport (spectacle).

I am a Conor fight fan, not so much the screaming and the black cock down his pants, talk. I too would like to see them actually make compelling fights for their top stars. What would it hurt to have Georges fight 1 single bout at 185 and not have him cut the line while contenders sit on the sideline? That short term money grab approach kills the legitimacy of the sport (I find it difficult to even call t that).

We’re not at all in disagreement. I would make the same choice as McGregor in his shoes. It’s up to the UFC ultimately, and they’re a business with a bottom line that operates based on what the fans want to see so they can make money. 

Who wouldn’t want to see him fight Ferguson or Khabib? Or if he had defended at 145, the Max Holloway rematch, Aldo rematch, or a fight with Frankie Edgar? I actually think Conor has the ability to solidify himself as the best of all time at 155 if he devoted himself to that. I think he might end up going down as the most popular and richest MMA fighter instead. He still has time, but it’s going to be hard to take those fights after making the money he’s making off this bout with Mayweather.

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SinCityHustler - This is a UFC problem, not a McGregor problem excusively.

Look at Mighty Mouse, refusing title challengers that are not to his liking.

Look at Bisping, only defending against those approaching 50 years of age or those who have been retired for years.

GDR defend her belt? Not a chance.

Jon Jones has been stripped of his title 3 times now and they continue to give him immediate title shots when he returns.

UFC is at fault here for not only allowing the practice of selecting opponents, but by encouraging it and down right devaluing the championship.

Your one of my favourite posters here. 

You talk. I shut up and listen.  

Wether or not people agree with you your points at always valid and compelling. 

However for the the last decade or so ( long before I knew what a UG was ) I've always been aware of the " real " side of combat sports. 

I can remember the exact conversation with my first boxing coach where he sat me down and explained what's what. 

Ever since then I almost fell sad for people that don't get it.   People that think we need to preserve the " interigty " of the sport or something.     I feel sad for them in the same way I do people that used to think pro wrestling is real. 

This is the the way it's always been and always destined to be. About the money. 100% about the money. What makes the most money for the promotion. 

The whole thing about " we put the best against the best ". "We don't put on freak shows " was just a talking point of danas to shit on the competition ( pride ) and sometimes try and strong arm fighters into taking fights for less money than they were asking for (Tito). 

It seems that was taken as truth by mma fans when in actuality it was never more than a self serving narrative. 

I chalange anyone to think of a time in zuffa history where their was money on the table and it was passed over for a more "deserving" fight. 

Because I can think of plenty where the opposite is true.     Matt Lindland !  Jon fitch , Ben askren  

that's just a few off the top of my head. 

Not dissagreeing with you as such   Just make it a point. 

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bro conor already is testing himself, why do you think he wanted 2 belts to begin with?

he loves testing himself, he'll be back in the ufc

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bungee up - 
SinCityHustler - This is a UFC problem, not a McGregor problem excusively.

Look at Mighty Mouse, refusing title challengers that are not to his liking.

Look at Bisping, only defending against those approaching 50 years of age or those who have been retired for years.

GDR defend her belt? Not a chance.

Jon Jones has been stripped of his title 3 times now and they continue to give him immediate title shots when he returns.

UFC is at fault here for not only allowing the practice of selecting opponents, but by encouraging it and down right devaluing the championship.

Your one of my favourite posters here. 

You talk. I shut up and listen.  

Wether or not people agree with you your points at always valid and compelling. 

However for the the last decade or so ( long before I knew what a UG was ) I've always been aware of the " real " side of combat sports. 

I can remember the exact conversation with my first boxing coach where he sat me down and explained what's what. 

Ever since then I almost fell sad for people that don't get it.   People that think we need to preserve the " interigty " of the sport or something.     I feel sad for them in the same way I do people that used to think pro wrestling is real. 

This is the the way it's always been and always destined to be. About the money. 100% about the money. What makes the most money for the promotion. 

The whole thing about " we put the best against the best ". "We don't put on freak shows " was just a talking point of danas to shit on the competition ( pride ) and sometimes try and strong arm fighters into taking fights for less money than they were asking for (Tito). 

It seems that was taken as truth by mma fans when in actuality it was never more than a self serving narrative. 

I chalange anyone to think of a time in zuffa history where their was money on the table and it was passed over for a more "deserving" fight. 

Because I can think of plenty where the opposite is true.     Matt Lindland !  Jon fitch , Ben askren  

that's just a few off the top of my head. 

Not dissagreeing with you as such   Just make it a point. 

Thank you, fantastic post. Nothing to add, or challenge, or dispute. The kind words are very appreciated. That said…

I come here for spirited banter and passionate debate. I rarely get it but I do get it enough to where I keep coming back. I enjoy sharing my perspective especially because it’s mostly different than most and it stirs up discussion (if we get past the “Fuck you!”). I mostly enjoy opposing views, that’s when we get a discussion. You’re spot on about what this thing is. I wish it was what my vision is of what it should be.

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^ the food for thought you bring is much appreciated 

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SinCityHustler - This is a UFC problem, not a McGregor problem excusively.

Look at Mighty Mouse, refusing title challengers that are not to his liking.

Look at Bisping, only defending against those approaching 50 years of age or those who have been retired for years.

GDR defend her belt? Not a chance.

Jon Jones has been stripped of his title 3 times now and they continue to give him immediate title shots when he returns.

UFC is at fault here for not only allowing the practice of selecting opponents, but by encouraging it and down right devaluing the championship.

I am seeing non MMA purists and mainstream casual fans and observers telling me the UFC is a joke due to all the drama 

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hankhill - He will make more money losing big fights in boxing than defending a UFC belt for what will now be compared to a pittance..... Dana made a mistake letting him taste the real Mayweather type money..... no going back.
This. How is he gonna go back to getting 10 million a fight? Did you see Dana's face when Conor was talking about being a partner with the UFC and competing in both boxing and MMA? (At yesterday's press conference)
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Conor is probably one of the greatest MMA fighters of all time. I just regret that we don't get to see him prove that without a doubt. If he could defend his belt 10 times at 155, I'd rather see that than 3 Nate Diaz fights and a bout with Mayweather and who knows what else is in the works. Not that those are aren't great fights, because they are, but Nate never had the belt and this boxing match doesn't really mean anything for MMA when the results come in.

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It's frustrating that a goofy match between a retired boxer and a MMA punch-sprawler is being billed as the greatest fight in history. Not unexpected, but frustrating.

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He said he wouldn’t fight until he got equity. I watched Dana explain that that might have to happen. He’s open to discussion about it.

Could you imagine Conors pre-fight talk?

“I’m your boss, I own the UFC!”

“My job is to run this shit, it’s your job to lose!”

Will be funny.

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mix headroom - 

Conor is probably one of the greatest MMA fighters of all time. I just regret that we don't get to see him prove that without a doubt. If he could defend his belt 10 times at 155, I'd rather see that than 3 Nate Diaz fights and a bout with Mayweather and who knows what else is in the works. Not that those are aren't great fights, because they are, but Nate never had the belt and this boxing match doesn't really mean anything for MMA when the results come in.

Conor needs to shore it up with Nate in a rubber match at 155 IMO. Eking out that decision doesn’t erase getting slapped down and choked out.

At first thought Nate should’ve taken the fight with Ferguson during the interim. That’s my just bleed basic instinct thinking. Nate is gambling on more than Conor’s will to compete. Nate knows Conor is game, and that Conor is likely locked into a multi-fight contract.

Nate is chilling with the millions he’s made off of choking that dude out and waiting for the call.

Win, lose or draw… Conor will weather, yet may wither. Money fights are bullshit.

We need tournaments.