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The original plan was for them to fight as the co-main on UFC 254 but it seems like Dustin wasn't happy with the pay and Tony has mentioned that he's only interested in Dustin or Conor outside of a title fight, hence why when Dustin pulled out, Tony followed.
I think the issue with pay is actually partly due to the fact that this fight was on a Khabib card. Khabibs probably the 2nd or 3rd biggest star in the sport and will obviously be the main PPV draw, and the UFC seems to value their fighters on two basis: a) if they are a champion, b) if they are the biggest ppv draw on the card. If one or both boxes are checked, its likely the fighter will be well compensated. Since Khabib is the largest reason why casuals will tune in, it makes it difficult for fighters sharing the card with him to argue their worth and demand greater pay.
The solution would be for Tony and Dustin to fight on a more shallow card. UFC 255 looks decent if you're a hardcore fan (with Fig vs Cody) but at the moment, does not have anything to draw in the casual audience. If Tony vs Dustin were to be remade for this card, it would be by far the biggest draw therefore both fighters can argue for greater pay. The UFC will probably have more money, given that they wont be paying Khabib the millions on his contract, so would more than likely increase the pay for both Tony and Dustin (probably through donating a share of the PPV). Its kinda like when Tony vs Cowboy was added to UFC 238 since that card needed something to draw in the casuals.
The headliner thing is more a wish since this fight should be 5 rounds, maybe the UFC can put a MBMF belt on the line (most brutal mother fucker) or some shit like that, but its more unlikely.
Would be interested to hear your opinion Sherbros?
I think the issue with pay is actually partly due to the fact that this fight was on a Khabib card. Khabibs probably the 2nd or 3rd biggest star in the sport and will obviously be the main PPV draw, and the UFC seems to value their fighters on two basis: a) if they are a champion, b) if they are the biggest ppv draw on the card. If one or both boxes are checked, its likely the fighter will be well compensated. Since Khabib is the largest reason why casuals will tune in, it makes it difficult for fighters sharing the card with him to argue their worth and demand greater pay.
The solution would be for Tony and Dustin to fight on a more shallow card. UFC 255 looks decent if you're a hardcore fan (with Fig vs Cody) but at the moment, does not have anything to draw in the casual audience. If Tony vs Dustin were to be remade for this card, it would be by far the biggest draw therefore both fighters can argue for greater pay. The UFC will probably have more money, given that they wont be paying Khabib the millions on his contract, so would more than likely increase the pay for both Tony and Dustin (probably through donating a share of the PPV). Its kinda like when Tony vs Cowboy was added to UFC 238 since that card needed something to draw in the casuals.
The headliner thing is more a wish since this fight should be 5 rounds, maybe the UFC can put a MBMF belt on the line (most brutal mother fucker) or some shit like that, but its more unlikely.
Would be interested to hear your opinion Sherbros?
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