Is the conflict in the Middle East going to affect UFC events? | Ep. 164

This week’s episode features discussion about the conflict in the Middle East and if it could affect the UFC’s ability to put on events there. We also break down UFC Atlanta’s earnings, from the fighters to the promotion itself. Additionally, we analyze ONE’s latest financials and the economic impact report they’re touting. Follow along with our outline as you listen:

Ep. 164 Outline

• Are there any antitrust updates?

• A couple of weeks ago you mentioned a case that could impact fighters employee status. Did you have a chance to look up the case?

• Justin Gaethje is upset over UFC getting favors from him and not getting “appropriate appreciation and pay”. What do you make of his complaint?

• It’s rumored that UFC threatened Jared Cannonier with the chopping block if he didn’t take the MVP fight. Do you find that plausible?

• Francis Ngannou was with Kamaru Usman at UFC Atlanta and was wearing UFC gear that matched Usman’s. Obviously that was to imply he was part of Usman’s team, but do you think any negotiating took place?
  *Note, it was UFC 202 that saw Nick Diaz banned from cornering his brother.

• We also got the ultra rare purse payouts since the event was in GA. There were some shockers that included Rose Namajunas being the highest paid on the card and Cody Garbrandt making a killing despite his dismal record. He re-signed with UFC before his last fight. What did you think of the purses?

• I couldn’t help but notice Kris Moutinho only got $14K to get knocked into another dimension again so I tweeted that it was shameful pay and Ant Evans replied to me “Yeah, but others are overpaid”. Considering the entry level purse is $10K, do you agree with him?

• UFC announced they had another sellout crowd and record-breaking gate. After looking at the payout, how much would you estimate they make off this event?

• Zach Arnold had an interesting piece where he discussed the possibility of PBC being on ESPN. How likely do you think this is?

• Dana White was at the presidential parade and UFC was an official sponsor of the event. What do you make of that?

• Do you think the latest execution of a journalist by the Saudi royal family will factor into TKO’s boxing plans at all?

• Do you think the current conflict between Iran and Israel could impact the fight business, considering how much of it is centered in the Middle East now?

• You got hold of some new ONE Championship finances. Where did you get these and what do they say about their current finances?

• ONE also posted an economic impact report. What did you think of it?

Check out the actual ONE Championship files below