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Tuesday, Jan 09, 2018

UFC Exec Dismisses Argument Promotion’s Moved Away From Competitive Matchmaking

Mayweather and McGregor (right) (photo via UFC)

By FCF Staff

Over the last year or so, critics have argued that the UFC has moved from a business model that was built on competitive matchmaking and rankings, to one that focuses more on money fights. But, according to UFC chief operating officer Lawrence Epstein, that’s not the case.

Talk about the UFC’s business model has been heightened due to decisions like signing former pro-wrestling star, CM Punk, or to allow Conor McGregor to box Floyd Mayweather. Recently Epstein was featured in a story by ESPN, and while responding to the argument about competitive matchmaking, he stated:

“Competitive matchmaking is one of the hallmarks of the UFC,” Epstein said. “Yeah, you might do a Mayweather-McGregor fight here or there, or something the fans are dying to see, but at the end of the day, competitive matchmaking is what we do. I think it’s a bit of a misnomer to say we’ve gotten away from that.

“In boxing, you’ve got to be 20-0 before you become somebody, and yet you haven’t fought anybody. That’s not our model.”

Recently Dana White confirmed that he plans to begin promoting boxing bouts under the UFC umbrella in the near future.

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posted by FCF Staff @ 11:03 am
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