UFC vs Bellator on TalknShoot #63 – The world of MMA goes beyond McGregor and here at the TalknShoot Podcast #63 we look at the current state of MMA. The UFC is clearly the dominant promotion world-wide and the feeling is that Bellator, the U.S.A.’s second company is there just to make the UFC’s life miserable.
The last few years have seen a steady flow of veteran fighters migrate from the UFC roster over to Bellator. The UFC has appeared to look down their nose at the migration, but it might be time that they start paying more attention to what Bellator is doing. The UFC 225 pay-per-view event is reported to have done about 250,000 views, which is low for a stacked UFC card. That is low and some of that may be that Bellator in general operates outside of PPV and as of late, they are able to offer recognizable names at the top of the card. Boxing has seen the pay-per-view model take major hits in recent years, it isn’t surprising that the UFC’s formula takes a hit as well.
UFC vs Bellator on TalknShoot #63
Not many fighters from the Bellator roster have even been signed by the UFC, and those that have appear to have faced “tough” if not aggressive matchmaking. Lightweight Eddie Alvarez is the success story as he overcame a 0-1 start with the “big show” to go on and grab the lightweight title.
This past week, former UFC light heavyweight champion Lyoto Machida was added to the Bellator roster. Machida owns UFC wins over current Belltor 205 lb champ Ryan Bader and over 185 lb titlist Gegard Mousasi. Machida at 40 years old fits right into match-ups with Chael Sonnen, Tito Ortiz and Quinton Jackson as well so the reasons why Bellator signed him are there. He gives them matches to be made in their geriatric division that have name recognition.
Some of Bellator’s “League of Distinguished Older Fellas” has been absolutely terrible. Was anything more cringe-inspiring than Stephen Bonnar and Tito Ortiz? Bellator really did the Ken Shamock vs Royce Gracie rematch 21 years later, never once stopping to ask “will it be a good fight?” But you can see people tuning in to see Lyoto Machida vs Chael Sonnen. Bellator has ratings to maintain and a review of the talent they have plundered from UFC shows they all were a big deal at some point in their UFC career.
UFC President Dana White is on record stating that he had a conversation with boxing heavyweight kingpin Anthony Joshua. White is looking around for the type of big money crossover that is not currently on his roster. White said he was just talking but he drew the ire of Joshua’s British handler Eddie Hearn and some of the press releases mentioned a half a billion dollars. White doesn’t appear to be concerned about his aging talent that is migrating to Bellator.
Is White’s plan to bring Joshua over for a PPV of some kind? Though Joshua appears to have all the makings of a star it is going to take more than his name on the marquee at this point to get to the event White wants.
This latest TnS Podcast #63 focuses on the migration of talent from the UFC to Bellator. Enjoy.
UFC vs Bellator on TalknShoot #63 / Into boxing as well? Check out more boxing news and features at The Sweet Science.
[related_post_one]
The Major League Baseball season is front and center. Check out the games daily!
