As a simple man, I want for very little. I’m thankful for shelter, grub, family, my pen and pad, and for my teammates who beat me up every day on the mats. As an MMA fan, I’m equally spoiled. We have more events than at any time before in the sport’s history, even the most well-known athletes are quite accessible, and it’s easier than ever to watch new or old big-time events.
A guy can still dream, however, so there’s lots I hope to see develop in the sport we love throughout the next year. Below is my personal MMA wishlist. I’ll leave the matchmaking to the pros, and I’m not interested in the return of any fighter who doesn’t want to make one.
But, I am rooting for some continued intestinal fortitude, better treatment of some of the world’s most exploited athletes, and a little more Diaz in my 2017.
1. That Conor McGregor follows through on his demand for equity in the UFC
Think it is crazy that the UFC’s biggest star wants to have a stake in what he produces? Not any crazier than Conan O’Brien or Trey Parker being minority owners of the UFC. If the UFC’s new owners, WME-IMG, don’t feel as though McGregor’s sweat alone deserves equity in the UFC (it does), then they should allow him to buy-in for a couple million dollars. McGregor was right to demand a piece of the promotion the way boxers who he out-draws already have. Here’s hoping he sticks to his guns, because he’s in the rare position to actually be able to make a positive difference in the business world of MMA
2. That Junior Dos Santos’ and Stefan Struve’s management earn their percentages by getting their fighters what they’re legally entitled to
Erik Magraken’s recent analysis makes a good case that the UFC will need to pay Feb. 19 heavyweight headliners Junior Dos Santos and Stefan Struve much more than they are currently likely guaranteed by their promotional contracts in order to comply with the law of the jurisdiction they will be competing in. As Magraken reported, Section 58 of Nova Scotia’s Boxing Authority Regulations (which also cover MMA contests, per the regulator’s definition of boxing) mandates that “the minimum percentage of the receipts to be paid to boxers in the main boxing match shall be not less than 10% for each boxer.” Magraken conservatively estimates from past UFC revenue that this could bring pay-out to each big man to about $380,000. I believe it could actually be a bit higher. Thing is, the fighters will need to demand that and may need to be willing to fight for it, out of the ring. In order for that to happen, those they pay to guide and manage their careers will likely need to first do right by them and advise them to do so. Nova Scotia’s progressive legislation is put in place to set a minimum protection level for fighters. Any fighter or camp not smart enough to make use of that protection is doing themselves or their charges a disservice.
3. That the UFC’s women’s featherweight division one day includes the undisputed world champion
When Holly Holm and Germaine De Randamie fight early next year they’ll fight for prize, glory, bragging rights and career advancement. They will not, however, be fighting for anything resembling a world-title. Cris “Justino” Cyborg is the undisputed featherweight world champion, period. She has been for years. In fact, she’s the longest-reigning current MMA world champion. The UFC’s refusal to treat her like the champion she is embarrasses only themselves, and the belt they’re promising to wrap around the waist of the winner of Holly vs. Germaine will have all the significance of a children’s toy store replica belt. Including a women’s featherweight division in the UFC, finally, is a start. But the UFC’s division won’t be significant until or unless “Cyborg” is its champion. She says she’s ready to fight in March. This shouldn’t be complicated.
4. Georges St-Pierre keeps up the good fight
Every fighter – from Randy Couture, to Cung Le, Jon Fitch, Wanderlei Silva, Tim Kennedy, Cain Velasquez and many others – who speaks out loud demanding improved fighter rights, pay and benefits is courageous and inspiring. As the biggest star ever in the sport of MMA, however, Georges St-Pierre’s late entry into the struggle is a unique opportunity. He’s gone from wallflower to militant labor leader in recent weeks, and I love it. GSP is one of the few athletes with the recognition and cash to actually take on unfair promotional practices. St-Pierre has unfortunately aligned himself with former Bellator boss Bjorn Rebney, who is a poorly qualified and unconvincing sudden fighter ambassador, but hopefully “Rush” is in this battle for the long-haul.
5. Two Nick Diaz fights in 2017
The elder Diaz brother has nothing much left to prove. So, if he never wants to fight again after an already long career, good for him. If he does decide to fight once more, however, I’ll be greedy and wish that we get to see the exciting and charismatic Stockton warrior do it twice this coming year, instead of going through more extended absences. So, here’s hoping the UFC pays him enough to show up, that he can flush the weed out of his system soon enough to pass drug screenings, and that he doesn’t once more get railroaded by petulant and unprofessional athletic commissioners.
About the author:
Elias Cepeda has served as a writer and editor covering mixed martial arts and combat sports, as well as public and cultural affairs, since 2005. He began as a staff writer for InsideFighting, and not long thereafter became publisher and editor of the page. Cepeda then went to write for Yahoo! Sports’ boxing and MMA pages, and edited their Cagewriter blog. He was hired away by FOX Sports, but after several years departed over philosophical differences with the executive leadership around important issues of journalism ethics. A student of and sometime competitor in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and MMA since 1999, Elias brings a unique and vibrant presence to reporting, and enjoys trying to highlight shared humanity and connect common experiences from seemingly different worlds.
We are honored to announce that Elias will be writing a weekly column for The UnderGround.
