Media Merab continues to angle for Figgy fight at press conference

[moosaev]

Even Tito "im not really thinkin about that fight right now" at least showed some fuckin forethought

I know he gets hit in the head for a living but how hard is it to say “I wanna fight Figgy next i think he deserves it more, but I don’t pick my opponents” ? He melted like an ice cream cone on a 100 degree summer day lol.

 

[Koala]

Avoiding the bigger wrestler to fight a former 125er
Smart move

 

[rjmbrd]

Coming from someone with a “don’t be scared homie” Nick Diaz AV, lol.

Well yes, the AV is older than your account and its a iconic MMA photo from the era. A 14 year old AV isn't a philosophy, you're over thinking this.

In any event, Nick is not a 'kiss the ring' guy and is most definitely his own man. Any fighter under contract with the UFC should be advocating for themselves as independent contractors. The UFC will wring them out like a towel and toss them in the bin when they're done with them.

GSP made the UFC tens of millions every time he fought, was a consummate professional and arguably the greatest ambassador modern MMA ever had. The UFC kicked him on his way out the door.

Advocate for the fights you want and the money you're trying to make, its prize fighting and the promoter wants to squeeze you for all your value.

 

[moosaev]

These guys are "independent contractors" by design, so the UFC doesn't have to contribute taxes or afford them the typical benefits of an employee, but want to control everything about their career.

This needs to cut both ways - these guys don't work for the UFC, and should be advocating for whatever fights make them the most money. You want to have complete control over them, then pay them a remotely reasonable split of the revenue from their fights.

For 15% of revenue going to fighters, these guys should all absolutely be calling for the fights they want, not kiss the ring of billionaire class promoters keeping 85% of the cash coming in.

The reality is that the UFC is the product, not the fighters. If Lebron and the others stars left the NBA viewership would plummet over night. If every current UFC champ left the promotion tomorrow it wouldn’t make a dent in the UFC as a business. The fighters have no leverage unfortunately. It is what it is, they have to live with it.

 

[HHJ]

We all get that Figgy is the easier fight for Merab and a better career decision to hold onto the belt, but Merab is making a big strategic mistake by making it so obvious that he views Umar as extremely high risk.

I dont think it's strategic. He literally cant help himself, he is so triggered by Umar's existence. You know those fuckin Dagi's are drooling about this fight now. They smell the pussy.

 

[moosaev]

I dont think it's strategic. He literally cant help himself, he is so triggered by Umar's existence. You know those fuckin Dagi's are drooling about this fight now. They smell the pussy.

100%. He showed weakness. If he were composed and thought this through he might realize this is a bad approach. IMO the way Islam handled Arman was perfect, mild dismissal, almost likes he simply a nuisance lol.

 

[The_Renaissance]

Merab is the man but he's so clearly afraid of Umar. As anyone should be. If Sandhagen beat Umar he'd call for Cory

 

[rjmbrd]

The reality is that the UFC is the product, not the fighters. If Lebron and the others stars left the NBA viewership would plummet over night. If every current UFC champ left the promotion tomorrow it wouldn’t make a dent in the UFC as a business. The fighters have no leverage unfortunately. It is what it is, they have to live with it.

This is obviously just your conjecture (and I welcome it) but I completely disagree.

SA was able to sign away some major tour golfers. It was such a disruption to business they are literally pulling their pants down and merging with a foreign startup.

I don't watch the UFC to listen to Anik tell me to drive a Harley and eat corn nuts. I couldn't give a fart in the wind about their production. The only reason I spend money is for fights and fighters.

 

[NoSmilez]

I don't think he is scared of Umar. It's just that Umar had a big push from the organization. There is a bit of salt from Merab.

 

[Left Hook Lacy]

So we think Umar can outwrestle and outstrike Merab. What about Figgys grappling? Any chance he just sweeps Merab and chokes him out?

 

[Lepo Lepo]

Well yes, the AV is older than your account and its a iconic MMA photo from the era. A 14 year old AV isn't a philosophy, you're over thinking this.

In any event, Nick is not a 'kiss the ring' guy and is most definitely his own man. Any fighter under contract with the UFC should be advocating for themselves as independent contractors. The UFC will wring them out like a towel and toss them in the bin when they're done with them.

GSP made the UFC tens of millions every time he fought, was a consummate professional and arguably the greatest ambassador modern MMA ever had. The UFC kicked him on his way out the door.

Advocate for the fights you want and the money you're trying to make, its prize fighting and the promoter wants to squeeze you for all your value.

Yes, cute I had an account older than yours prior. Really an mma renaissance man you are.

You have people saying rankings matter, then you have people like you saying you should only go for “money fights”. I highly doubt Figgy is the “prize fight” that will change Merab’s life here, so not sure what you’re trying to preach here? Maybe you just hate Dana and the UFC and want to see the “system” spited?

 

[Fact Checker]

Merab might legit be scared of Umar.

 

[SuperAlly]

Ah, the Belal playbook

 

[SuperAlly]

Belal never tried but you hate him so much y'all keep distorting his words

 

[SuperAlly]

What did Belal say that made him try to avoid fights? The exact quote

 

[Koala]

Merab could refuse fights until Ramadan
He would avoid Umar and have to fight Figgy or rematch O'Malley

 

[KO Shotz]

Figgy is in the mix, but Merab vs Umar is the next fight to make.

 

[mister piscadinha]

bitch behaviour, just give umar his shot

 

[RichardHarrow]

He wants to wear the belt and have at least one defense before Umar snatches it off him

Is that rule still in place ? You have to defend it once to keep the belt or something ?

 

[Mind Mine]

UFC: WHAT ABOUT FIGHTING UMAR
MERAB: UHHH ERRR EEEE AAAAH OOOOH UUUUM SO YEA I WANT TO THANK DANA WHITE, IM SO GLAD TO BE CHAMPION ERR EEE UHHH

It’s a dangerous fight he doesn’t feel dude earned yet. If he told the truth you would say he is ducking