I'd say that is why he vacated the belt, since the contact specified who he would fight next. Does the same stipulation apply once he is no longer the MW champ? If Dana saw it coming, why the unnecessary criticism? He knew it and let it happen anyway. Conor gets to do whatever the fuck he wants and is praised as he does so. GSP caught some shit for it, but money talks and Dana's bullshit whispers. The UFC has proven time and time again that if you are willing to wait for the right opportunity, you well get a substantial reward. Their track record also indicates that "company guys" and lengthy win streaks mean nothing. Yet somehow there are still dumbasses who can't figure out why Nate Diaz is sitting on the sidelines...