GDT: UFC 229: Khabib vs. McGregor

[Cellee]

Don't go down the Khabib rabbit hole on Youtube

 

[m9]

I don't think the league itself would promote it, media and broadcasters may/would.

So we will have to agree to disagree.

Fair enough, one last question though..

If they rematch, do you think they should use the post-fight stuff as part of the promotion?

 

[Cellee]

Fair enough, one last question though..

If they rematch, do you think they should use the post-fight stuff as part of the promotion?

Right now, not putting a ton of thought into it, and with the right to change my mind?

Because it happened within the context of the event, I would probably use it.

Honestly though, I want my ticket paying public to feel safe at the event, so I think you are playing with fire going too hard at it.

 

[pistolpete11]

Fair enough, one last question though..

If they rematch, do you think they should use the post-fight stuff as part of the promotion?

I know the question wasn't for me, but I think they should and they absolutely will. It's part of the story of the fight and with the internet, everybody's going to see it a million times anyway. If the UFC doesn't show it, it doesn't erase the fact that it happened. I would look at it like the UFC is lying to the fans by pretending like it didn't happen.

Dana's pretending like he's so disappointed, but I bet all he's really seeing is dollar signs.

 

[Cellee]

They need to fight the urge to be too WWE-ish.

 

[pistolpete11]

They need to fight the urge to be too WWE-ish.

I agree with that, too, but there have been post-fight brawls in boxing, too. It's a combat sport where emotions can take over. Hell, there have been brawls in football, hockey, even baseball. It happens. But stuff like this is pretty rare in MMA. When was the last time something like this happened in the UFC? Nick Diaz in Strikeforce?

If it starts happening more often, then they should crackdown harder, but it's not like it's a huge problem at the moment.

 

[ViD]

Everything before the fight I get, but once the fight is done, get up and shake your opponent's hand. Khabib just **** on his own stock.

Looks totally different on Tuesday

4.5 mln more followers in two days, an iconic eagle like jump image and UFC gained so much hype

 

[m9]

Right now, not putting a ton of thought into it, and with the right to change my mind?

Because it happened within the context of the event, I would probably use it.

Honestly though, I want my ticket paying public to feel safe at the event, so I think you are playing with fire going too hard at it.

The reason I ask is because the bus incident was also at a UFC 'event' as the fighters were coming back from weigh-ins and were at the arena. It also involved tons of UFC fighters. It was an extremely important story because it dramatically changed that event because of how multiple fighters dropped off the card because of it.

 

[Cellee]

I agree with that, too, but there have been post-fight brawls in boxing, too. It's a combat sport where emotions can take over. Hell, there have been brawls in football, hockey, even baseball. It happens. But stuff like this is pretty rare in MMA. When was the last time something like this happened in the UFC? Nick Diaz in Strikeforce?

If it starts happening more often, then they should crackdown harder, but it's not like it's a huge problem at the moment.

You make valid points.

They just seem to be more about show these days than I would prefer.

 

[Cellee]

The reason I ask is because the bus incident was also at a UFC 'event' as the fighters were coming back from weigh-ins and were at the arena. It also involved tons of UFC fighters. It was an extremely important story because it dramatically changed that event because of how multiple fighters dropped off the card because of it.

I just don't like the UFC condemning it and then using it to hype the fight.

Don't pretend to be something you are not.

I can understand them using it, I would just minimize it if it was up to me.

 

[m9]

Right now, not putting a ton of thought into it, and with the right to change my mind?

Because it happened within the context of the event, I would probably use it.

Honestly though, I want my ticket paying public to feel safe at the event, so I think you are playing with fire going too hard at it.

Just on your last point - people are at the event to see a fight. I've been to a bunch of UFC's in different cities and safety has never been a concern. There are usually a bunch of fights in the crowd anyways. I think if it escalated from a fight to someone getting stabbed or shot then we're in different territory.

 

[m9]

I know the question wasn't for me, but I think they should and they absolutely will. It's part of the story of the fight and with the internet, everybody's going to see it a million times anyway. If the UFC doesn't show it, it doesn't erase the fact that it happened. I would look at it like the UFC is lying to the fans by pretending like it didn't happen.

Dana's pretending like he's so disappointed, but I bet all he's really seeing is dollar signs.

For sure on the first part.

Dana is probably at the the point where he would gladly trade the few extra dollars to not have to deal with the headache of sorting through the everything. 10-15 years ago you would have seen a couple extra smiles. They also are only a fee months away from transitioning to ESPN and I'm sure they will have a few questions.

 

[m9]

You make valid points.

They just seem to be more about show these days than I would prefer.

The line for me is staged or planned vs spur of the moment.

Khabib showing emotion and jumping at Danis was great.

I can do without stuff like bringing Lesnar in to push Cormier.

 

[Cellee]

Just on your last point - people are at the event to see a fight. I've been to a bunch of UFC's in different cities and safety has never been a concern. There are usually a bunch of fights in the crowd anyways. I think if it escalated from a fight to someone getting stabbed or shot then we're in different territory.

It just seems like people sort of saw this coming. The stuff in the stands and the stuff after the fight. I just think you risk creating dangerous euro-esque soccer league type stuff when you start fanning the flames of the types of people both sides are rumored to hang around with (allegedly).

Not saying it will happen, I just don't think you are doing the image of your sport any favours.

I also think it does a disservice to the fighters, particularly Khabib, who people don't know much about. Yes, they bring it on themselves, I just would not double down on it if I was the UFC.

 

[1specter]

Dana's pretending like he's so disappointed, but I bet all he's really seeing is dollar signs.

Dana: "I'm $O di$appointed, this is $O di$gu$ting"

 

[m9]

It just seems like people sort of saw this coming. The stuff in the stands and the stuff after the fight. I just think you risk creating dangerous euro-esque soccer league type stuff when you start fanning the flames of the types of people both sides are rumored to hang around with (allegedly).

Not saying it will happen, I just don't think you are doing the image of your sport any favours.

I also think it does a disservice to the fighters, particularly Khabib, who people don't know much about. Yes, they bring it on themselves, I just would not double down on it if I was the UFC.

People saw this coming? I didn't think so at all. Anytime I saw Conor all week he was with his kid, I don't think he saw this coming. Maybe he should of.

 

[pistolpete11]

So apparently Connor is already asking for a rematch, pls give Tony a shot first before they entertain the idea of a rematch between these two, I think it would make a good story later on but it might be a better idea to let Connor fight someone else for now and give Tony his title shot.

Also this brings me to the next question, what da heck can Connor do in a rematch? A side from training in higher altitude and improving his cardio, not sure his wrestling or grappling can improve much. His best chance is to improve his cardio and learn to fight Khabib in the center of the octagon. His takedowns are average if your back is not against the cage, which is something Tony can probably exploit given that he stalks his opponents and does not give them chance to set up.

I really hope Tony gets the next shot at Khabib. He deserves it after having his interim title stripped for no reason. I also think he gives Khabib a run for his money. He's tough, he's got cardio, and he's dangerous off his back with his elbows and/or BJJ game.

I don't see what skills Conor can improve to beat Khabib. He's going to need a lifetime to improve his ground game enough and even if he improves his TDD some, he's probably going to end up on his back at some point. He needs a different gameplan or to catch Khabib at some point and change the fight.

Two years ago, Khabib was coming off a win vs Darrell Horcher. His only top ten win at the time was against Dos Anjos. Even if you jump ahead to his next fight, Khabib was fighting Michael Johnson while Conor was fighting for a belt after already winning another one.

December 2017 vs Barboza was the win that put Khabib into the discussion. Any legit Conor talk starts after that fight, and Conor signed to fight him months later in his first fight back in MMA.

Saying Conor has been running from Khabib for two years is one of the dumbest things I've read in a thread that has pretty much been filled with dumb things since Saturday night.

I don't get this talk either. Khabib's record is crazy impressive, but the quality of competition was lacking. Sure, he beat RDA, but that was in 2014 and then he didn't fight again until 2016. I know Conor just had a 2 year hiatus, too, but the difference is Conor had won 2 belts and is the biggest star in the sport. Once Khabib came back, he had to earn his title shot, which he did, but he shouldn't have been in the title conversation until he beat Barbosa. There was no reason for Conor to fight him until after he fought Floyd, which he did.

I think it would take a guy like Ferguson to beat Khabib.

Ferguson is as dangerous on his feet as he is on his back.

He's knocked people out, while in that "prone" position.

A guy like Nurmagomedov, would have to either take the punishment, to gain control of his body, or take it back to stand up like many have done, to a guy that just plots forwards and puts an immense amount of pressure on you, in cutting your ring down to where you have zero room to think, and are just reacting.

GSP has tapped out of fear before, in losing. I don't think he has the balls to go toe to toe with Nurmagomedov.

Ferguson, strikes me as a guy who would rather die in the octagon, than tap. He's just crazy, and lives up to his nickname. Just boggles the mind, how many times I've seen this guy fight, and be put out, and literally be one punch away from being asleep, and scramble, and find his wits quickly, and pull off a win. He literally enjoys those wild fights.

I think Khabib would meet his match, in fighting this guy if the UFC could make it happen.

Ferguson vs Nurmagomedov, and McGregor vs Diaz III -- UFC, make it happen!

Best case scenario for the UFC is if Nate beats Dustin. Then they can make Khabib-Tony and Conor-Nate 3 as a title eliminator. It's too soon for the Khabib-Conor rematch IMO and Tony deserves his shot.

Khabib-Tony is a very interesting fight (especially with the curse that seems to be on it), it would sell well (especially with Khabib being more of a star now), and it's the right thing to happen if this is a real sports league. You shouldn't get an immediate rematch when you are the challenger and get dominated.

Conor-Nate 3 is a huge fight no matter when it happens, but especially if a title shot is on the line. No matter who wins those fights, it sets up yet another huge fight for the belt. Obviously Conor-Khabib 2 would be the biggest, but any of them would sell.

If Dustin wins, though, that all goes out the window.

 

[Cellee]

Dana: "I'm $O di$appointed, this is $O di$gu$ting"

Here is the problem (maybe not for him because he already got paid) : Conor leaves, a very wealthy man, Dana leaves, a very wealthy man, and the UFC is left with a bunch of "boring" fighters and not meeting the expectation of drama from the general public.

Less money (at the highest level) coming in means less people wanting to do it for a living (probably) and a worse product that fades into obscurity.

 

[Cellee]

People saw this coming? I didn't think so at all. Anytime I saw Conor all week he was with his kid, I don't think he saw this coming. Maybe he should of.

Plus the rumour was that the press conference was done without fans for safety concerns.

 

[pistolpete11]

You make valid points.

They just seem to be more about show these days than I would prefer.

Sometimes I agree, but storylines are important, make it more fun, and get people more invested IMO. If it was just watching guys beat each other up, what does it mean? I think the same is true in all of sports.

For sure on the first part.

Dana is probably at the the point where he would gladly trade the few extra dollars to not have to deal with the headache of sorting through the everything. 10-15 years ago you would have seen a couple extra smiles. They also are only a fee months away from transitioning to ESPN and I'm sure they will have a few questions.

I see your point, but I don't think Dana is ever in a position where he would trade money for time. Plus, I'm sure there's a whole team that deals with most of it for him anyway.

I don't think ESPN cares either. They love huge stories like this. It's easy talking points for their shows. They might put on the face that they are disgusted or embarrassed by it, but if people are watching, they are happy. And again, it's not THAT bad. It happens in every sport and it's way less important/severe/etc. than stuff like Ray Rice or the Penn State scandal that they talked about all day ever day for weeks on end.

 

[Cellee]

Sometimes I agree, but storylines are important, make it more fun, and get people more invested IMO. If it was just watching guys beat each other up, what does it mean? I think the same is true in all of sports.

I guess it depends what you are looking to get out of watching sports.

 

[Cellee]

Am listening to Rogan talking to Kavanagh and Lockhart...too much Lockhart so far

 

[LSCII]

Any word on the PPV buys yet?

 

[Mighty Makar]

 

[m9]

Any word on the PPV buys yet?

Between 2 and 3 million.

I know that's vague, but that's what Dana has confirmed so far.