On August 26th, 2017 history will be made, as for the first time ever a world mixed martial arts champion will step into the boxing ring and face one of the greatest boxers ever.
In the past,
boxers have crossed over into the world of MMA, but have never had much luck at the sport. The most notable example of this is when boxing great James “lights out” Toney took on UFC Hall of Famer Randy “The Natural” Couture. The Mayweather-McGregor fight will make a lot of people a lot of money, however it could be a bad business decision for the UFC.
Conor McGregor took the UFC by storm running through each opponent and even beat the seemingly unbeatable Jose Aldo in just 14 seconds. After attaining feather weight gold, McGregor moved up to the light weight division, and became the only fighter in UFC history to hold two championship belts at the same time. McGregor now seeks a new challenge as he turns to the world of boxing.
Top-end boxers can make upward of $100,000,000 a fight, while top-end UFC fighters make around 4-5 million a fight. If McGregor finds success against Mayweather, Showtime boxing could be interested in offering McGregor a contract. The only problem with this is McGregor still has three fights left on his UFC contract. Showtime’s offer could easily buy McGregor’s UFC contract out. This is what the UFC should fear.
Even with the love and support McGregor receives from UFC fans its no secret McGregor is in it for the money. UFC President Dana White isn’t worried though. According to White, McGregor plans to honor his UFC contract. White has plans for McGregor to defend his UFC title later this year or early next.
McGregor leaving the UFC would mean, loss of paper-view sales and fans for the UFC. Does this mean you should cheer for Mayweather? That’s for you to decide.