I've already said as much in a post in this thread, however leon doesn't need to take a short notice risk. He's likely to get a title eliminator in his next fight. he's a better option but I can still see him saying no.
Honestly, if anybody was saying no it would probably be Colby. He didn't even want to fight Ian Garry. He's not getting in there with Shavkat. He wants 40 year olds on 3 fight losing streaks only.
You're forgetting there is a title, a PPV headline and PPV points on the line, this fight is luractive enough. Colby doesn't avoid fights that are hard, He opts for fights that are lucrative.
Right but you just laid out reasons Leon would also take the fight. If I'm the UFC I'd go with the guy who beat Usman twice than the guy who lost to Usman twice and Leon himself. But yeah in a who has the bigger balls contest between Leon and Colby I'd place my bets on Leon.
If I'm the UFC I'd go with the fight that is easier to promote. Colbys Popularity (notoriety) rubbing off on shavkat is what I'd seek if I were the UFC. In these short notice situations, the UFC often does what they think is best for them, rather than what is most merited.
Weirdly todays presidential elections might even have a tiny bit of influence. If Trump wins the chance of Colby getting the shot goes up a little bit, if Trump loses Colby's chances might basically go out the window.
I do think that their will be a bit of impact based on this. Especially if Colby gets on his megaphone and draws some attention to himself before hand, if colby can get people talking about him alot WHILE they are looking for a replacement, His name stays fresh in peoples minds
