How can a guy like Conor McGregor fairly make more money defending a belt that limits him to having to fight anyone over 155 pounds, than the real UFC Champions, guys like Coleman, Severn, and Kerr had to be ready to defend against anyone of any size? Being the best of the best should pay more than "being good for a little guy who is protected from fighting bigger guys." The real UFC Champions weren't protected from any challengers of any size. Yet they only got paid a tiny fraction of what McGregor gets paid.
The highest paid champion should be the champion who is willing to fight any challenger on the entire UFC roster. That makes that champion the best of the best. That's far more impressive than only defending a "championship" against people who all weigh between 145 and 155 pounds.
The highest paid champion should be the champion who is willing to fight any challenger on the entire UFC roster. That makes that champion the best of the best. That's far more impressive than only defending a "championship" against people who all weigh between 145 and 155 pounds.