Well. Let's think about this.
With Lesnar looking at two years on the bench (if he was even coming back), and Jones looking at two years on the bench, and Ronda fallen far and fast, and who knows what other USADA-related problems ready to rear their ugly heads, the brass should be concerned. That's a lot of (potential) PPV buys lost.
Meanwhile, Conor's star power is only slightly diminished by the one destruction at Nate's hands. And his seeming willingness to take the fight again (compare to Ronda re: Holly!) plus the normal stupidity of casuals means he's going to be okay, draw-wise. Arguably, touch-butt aside, he's the last big draw still standing.
But if and when Diaz gets his mitts on Conor and makes him squeal again, who knows? That'll be tough to market around, even allowing for the stupidity of casuals and closet cases.
Thus, I would not be surprised if the UFC finds a way to pull the plug--maybe last minute--in order to get Conor an opponent who is less likely to make him piss his shorts on PPV. That's just good business. It'll suck for Diaz, of course.
Best case for the UFC, long-term, may be that Diaz pisses hot for something pre-fight.
Rumor is he's looking for a new line of work.
Something more rewarding than fighting in the UFC.
Crikey. Next time I'm inclined bitch about my work, I'll think about these guys.
