http://ringtalk.com/index.php?action=fullnews&showcomments=1&id=1388

Boxing also gave MMA the former Hep patient Ray Mercer for that upcoming bout. I’m sure there will be more washouts to come. Hey, John Ruiz already knew the clinch well. Perhaps there’s a future for him in K-1?

Second, the UFC has never acted like a “farm league”, they’ll develop their talent but mainly it’s the responsiblity of the fighter/team/management to get an indivual to the point where they can be a fulltime fighter. The UFC can’t be the entire sport, they’re role is still‘promoter’.

Third, let’s not look at MMA in a vacuum, there are plenty of champion boxers who worked side jobs to support their career early on. I believe Marvin Hagler used to do construction while he was coming up. So I disagree with your last point.

First time fighters have the opportunity to prove themselves on the UFC level (mainly on the undercard), if they do their salary goes up. It’s no different from any other business.

Fitch started out making 2k/2k, his last fight he made a disclosed 28k, Gonzaga started out making 3k/3k he made upwards of 90k is last outing. Ect ect.

1. The issue of there being no competitors to the UFC financially.

I definetly disagree, there are more competitors now than there ever was and for the most part they’re all offering good money. In a lot of cases more money to mid level guys and at the least a competitive amount to the top guys. Ortiz and Hughes have reportedly turned down 9 million and 6 million dollar offers (respectively). According White, K1 outbid him for Lesnar.

It’s doubtful (to many in the media) that they’ll get Fedor, I’m not sure if they can get Kang either. 2 years ago Lindland wouldn’t of been able to get the type of pay he’s getting now, it’s definetly a fighter’s market.

1. The issue of money not trickling down.

I’d disagree here as well, the fighters who they’re selling the PPVs with – are making alot of money and it’s based on how well the shows do. As far as their entry level pay, I’d compare it to any entry level job. McDonlads is a billion dollar company, but their entry level workers aren’t making 6 figures. The market dictates what they pay guys starting out. There’s a lot more to it than that but that’s the gist.

The Tommy Morrison debacle has got me more depressed then the K-1 Dynamite show. Adam Morgan said it best in his last article, which was “Move on Tommy.” I hope that this is what the media decides to do.

And I am sorry to hear about the the IFL, but the guys running it seem to be under pretty good standards and practices. As one of the articles said, they do not seem to be reaching for the panic button which shows some fortitude given their circumstances. They got their deal re-upped with MyTV…and all in all, I hope that they find some way to turn things around and keep the show going because I think that the IFL is good for mixed martial arts, both in America and around the world.