If Zuffa really wanted Benavidez to fight Opetaia they’d pay for it.
After insulting the entire industry, and making statements in the senate like “Talent follows money” the only way to satisfy the fans and make the fights promised is to live by what you say. But that’s not what we’re seeing.
We’re seeing a minor league, that isn’t catching on in the US, and complaining that the people you’ve insulted don’t want to work with you because of poor public business behavior that feels good coming out of the mouth, but damages the brand.
You can’t brag about your funding, or insult the business acumen of an over 100 year old industry and expect competitors to roll over because your feelings are hurt.
Respect is a two way street. Don’t be surprised when you lose it, and don’t cry when the bluster is revealed as not being the position of power.
Do what you said and stand by your initial pitch to the public, that talent follows money and that you have the funding to make the best fights happen immediately.
But that’s not why they’re here, because it sets a precedent that will keep the high end well paid. The antithesis of the business model.
For Zuffa and TKO it’s not about the fights, but this is their chance to prove it is.
Or, they can wait and do what every promoter has for 100 years. Build the fight until it’s profitable enough to pay the fighters what they deserve for years of mutual in ring combat.
But that would be the reality they fear most.
That fighters don’t want ceilings on their earning potential for the risk they take.