Is anyone else tired of these back and forth press conference games? I wonder when Randy Couture has scheduled his next conference to rebut all of the accusations and so-called “facts” that were presented during the UFC conference call today. Today’s conference call was a little bit different and for reasons I find somewhat humorous.
It seemed that Dana White had some backup during this press conference and it’s easy to understand why. With more people from the UFC organizations saying the same things - “Randy was paid”, “Randy is paid enough”, and “Randy was paid a lot of money”, listeners were expected to believe everything that was said. Not so fast! Although I have said in the past that I think many big name fighters are paid fairly, the organization was still up to their old games of dodging questions regarding financials of the other fighters. When White was asked why some UFC fighters make a lot less money, he went on to reference the PGA. Yes, he mentioned golf! You can’t liken MMA to golf, Dana! Even the boxing vs. MMA guys know this.
The blame game rages on. Dana White and Co. blames Couture and his agent. Couture blames the UFC for not paying him enough. I blame everyone involved right now. If it makes things any better, re-write the contract with specifics for each side. If Randy feels that he doesn’t get the respect he deserves, write up a new clause in the contract. Payments made within one business week. Two fights a year at $500,000 with the percentage of PPV buys. Make all of this public to keep everyone somewhat happy. We already know that White doesn’t want any of this information public because it only causes more talk between the fighters about their salaries. Oh well.
While the issue of money was the biggest topic during the live conference call today, there seemed to be concern about Randy actually returning to fight. White and his crew, including fellow UFC owner Lorenzo Fertitta and UFC Chief Financial Officer John Mulkey, seemed adamant regarding Couture’s adherence to current contract. I can understand that everyone is a little frustrated. And although Couture wants to fight the man that many call the best in the world; Fedor Emelianenko is out of the picture for now. Unless, of course, the UFC decides to work with M-1 to make the fight happen. Whoever holds their breath for this one will end up as a floater.
Let’s get back to the good ole’ UFC games. These near-slanderous conference call games are not helping positively promote UFC 78 which is the most important thing right now. End the madness. I say we get Dana White and Randy Couture in ONE conference call next week to answer any and all questions for the final time. It’s really time to move on - this isn’t just fun and games, this is business too.
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