I’m back! And it’s that time of the week again. Questions have been great as of late. Seriously, I am reading them all, and I really appreciate them. So, as always, everything and anything goes. I’ll answer as many as possible on Wednesday’s show. Again, try to keep them short and sweet, if possible. That increases your chances of having the question answered on air.
Hey Ariel, what's the deal with you and Kevin Holland? Some past comments on the MMA Hour & The Ringer MMA Show lead me to believe that you and Kevin aren't on the best terms right now. I always loved your interviews with him.
The UFC 299 in-person experience was really incredible. It was certainly the best combat sports event I've ever attended. However, when I start to think about the numbers - it's mind-blowing that fighters aren't getting paid more (EXTREMELY CONSERVATIVE ESTIMATES BELOW)
So with a...
- $14m+ gate
- $40m in ppv revenue (500,000 x 79.99 ea)
- $8m in rights fees from ESPN per event ($300m/42 events)
- $15m in sponsorship per event (guess)
You have a total of $77m in total revenue (not accounting for millions I'm sure I'm missing).
Based on this very conservative and lackluster estimate, fighters could be paid the following, and you'd STILL only total $21 million in fighter expenses...
- $250k per early prelim fighter
- $500k per prelim fighter
- $750k per main card fighter
- $1.5m per co-main fighter
- $5m per Main Event event fighter
In this model, you'd still have a low 27.3% of revenue going to fighters.
I'm no business savant - I run a nonprofit in my day-to-day - but who is advising some of these fighters? Why are there not people in their corners begging them sign with other organizations or negotiate better contracts? How have fighters not gone on strike yet to effectively unionize?
I know you've talked about this extensively, but after seeing the spectacle and amount of money at the event on Saturday - I'm bewildered.
My boss sucks. I mean, truly terrible. Probably the worst I've ever had.
Do you or any of the fellas have any terrible boss stories? That could get dicey professionally, so maybe a story or experience from when you were younger, working at a fast food joint or something?
My misery wants company. Wish me luck on getting a different job soon!
Thanks to you and the crew for the great shows week in and week out.
Should we have a short review window after a fight has been stopped to allow a video review?
I’m thinking situations like Doumbe’s, Walker / Ankalaev or even rare early stoppages.
The window could be very short and correct outcomes preventing the need for another fight. I know there could also be major problems too and it leaves opportunity to be taken advantage of. Just a thought
I see islam calling out dustin for june, which to me makes no sense because we got charles and arman due to islam being “injured” and same for gaethje vs holloway. Not that dustin is undeserving but there were 2 clear contenders who Took a fight under the notion that the champ wouldnt be ready soon. What are your thoughts and do you think this was a lie from dana for some weird reason and islam was never injured. (Islam was also seen doing pull ups the day after dana stated islam was injured).
I watched friday and saturdays watch parties, and GC’s live reactions to his bets not hitting was sad to watch. But overall great weekend for combat sports.
Given their recent performances, what trajectory do you foresee for Chito Vera and Benoit Saint Denis, and how do you think they'll fare against the top contenders moving forward? how much fights away do you think each of them are from a title eliminator or title fight??
Dear Ariel, long-time listener and fan of your work
Do you think the financial remuneration you have received (and likely will continue to receive) for services provided at Jake Paul's events has impacted your ability to be impartial when reporting matters concerning Jake?
To be frank (and not mysterious), I was irked by your comments from last week in which you appeared to dismiss criticism against Jake Paul's recent boxing endeavors by invoking 'whataboutism' concerning the depressing financial circumstances surrounding Tyson Pedro's retirement.
I absolutely agree that the state of Pedro's finances amid his retirement is a serious issue that deserves to be at the forefront of the MMA news cycle and narrative. But I believe there is a serious fallacy to the composition of your argument in characterizing people criticizing Paul as "part of the problem" contributing to situations such as Pedro's - this feels like the equivalent of arguing there is no value to expressing criticism regarding the events occurring within one code of football (i.e. MLS) because there is greater injustice taking place within a different code (i.e. the NFL). Surely the negative events occurring within both sports should be highlighted, and those levying criticism against the lesser evil (alongside their arguments) do not deserve to be written off and dismissed?
I felt this lack of impartiality was again evidenced by your coverage of the Paul vs Tyson news in your latest episode. You similarly sought to disregard the criticism levied against Paul by providing a sweeping generalization of anyone who dared to speak out against the event as hypocrites who previously complained that Jake Paul was a sub-par boxer, and offered little engagement with the narrative that it isn't appropriate for a 27yo athlete to be fighting a 58yo former athlete reportedly recently seen using a cane as a walking aid, other than saying you think Tyson "can hold his own against a bum or a novice" despite also dismissing the suggestion Paul is a bum/novice.
How is this situation so different from Vitor Belfort vs Evander Holyfield, an event that you yourself levied strong criticism against and said should not have happened? I also doubt you would take the same tone with your reporting if the UFC were organizing an event akin to Paul v Tyson on paper.
I know it’s been a very busy weekend for you Ariel, so I was wondering if you’ve got the opportunity to catch up with the GLORY 8-man Heavyweight Grand Prix which took place last Saturday.
I attended the event live, and it was awesome!
During last week’s show, GC predicted Rico Verhoeven to meet his fellow Dutchman Levi Rigters in the final, and he was right. Levi even dropped the champ with a spinning backfist and had him badly rocked!
Ultimately Rico Verhoeven managed to overcome adversity and put Levi Rigters away in the 2nd round, winning the inaugural GLORY Heavyweight Grand Prix and an additional $500.000 of prize money.
What do you think should be next for the ‘King of Kickboxing’?
I can tell you that Rico’s newly signed contract allows him to do “crossover-superfights” against MMA and Boxing stars, and Rico expressed great interest in those fights himself.
Does the idea of Rico Verhoeven getting in the mix with the likes of Francis Ngannou, AJ, Tyson Fury, etc. excite you?
Viva Heelwani and all the best from the Netherlands,
What do you think of the Florida Athletic Commission shortening the weigh in window for UFC 299? I feel it could make it harder for fighters who are trying to cut more weight, or struggling with the weight cut. Do you think they should leave it as 2 hour window?
Hey Crew, I just bought tickets for Knucklemania IV in LA, Mike Perry vs Thiago Alves. This will be my first combat sports event and I'm super excited. My questions to GC is if he would put BKFC on his list of live events to go to one time? Imagine what those Bare Knuckle hits would sound like live
In regard to Paul vs Tyson… I don’t understand how we are all glossing over the extreme courage Paul is exhibiting. To spot your opponent anything x2 is unheard of. Try giving your opponent x2 the weight, the height, the reach, the speed… you would never consider this.. yet here the problem child is spotting Tyson over x2 in age. I think we need to celebrate this courage.
I understand how big of a deal it is that Netflix are moving into the live sports/combat business. I also understand ricks point that Jake should be in big fights and the normal boxer route isn’t it. I’m a Jake Paul fan to a certain extent (have enjoyed the splash he’s made in the mma/boxing world) however I’m struggling to wrap my head around how anyone can be ok with a young, fit, 27 year old with knockout power fighting a what will be 58 year old man? Mike Tyson or not it’s morally wrong in every way.
Sorry for being a bit of a “snowflake” but I really don’t get it.
Massive fan of you all and everything yous do, you’ve helped me get through a lot over the years.
Was watching fight feasts and noticed that when GC dunked his croqueta in the sauce he double dipped… now I’m well aware of what they say about assumptions but I would assume that Frank was okay with that?
Ariel - last year you indicated that you didn't want to work Jake Paul Tommy Fury because it was in Saudi. What changed your mind in the past year?
Hey Ariel, what's the deal with you and Kevin Holland? Some past comments on the MMA Hour & The Ringer MMA Show lead me to believe that you and Kevin aren't on the best terms right now. I always loved your interviews with him.
Cheers to you and the crew!
Ariel & crew,
Agree/disagree:
Sean O’Malley is the reason for UFC 299 success?
-OR-
UFC is trying to build Sean for upcoming negations as “the next Conor” and in fact, it was the strength of the card for the PPV success?
Debate!
Hi Ariel,
The UFC 299 in-person experience was really incredible. It was certainly the best combat sports event I've ever attended. However, when I start to think about the numbers - it's mind-blowing that fighters aren't getting paid more (EXTREMELY CONSERVATIVE ESTIMATES BELOW)
So with a...
- $14m+ gate
- $40m in ppv revenue (500,000 x 79.99 ea)
- $8m in rights fees from ESPN per event ($300m/42 events)
- $15m in sponsorship per event (guess)
You have a total of $77m in total revenue (not accounting for millions I'm sure I'm missing).
Based on this very conservative and lackluster estimate, fighters could be paid the following, and you'd STILL only total $21 million in fighter expenses...
- $250k per early prelim fighter
- $500k per prelim fighter
- $750k per main card fighter
- $1.5m per co-main fighter
- $5m per Main Event event fighter
In this model, you'd still have a low 27.3% of revenue going to fighters.
I'm no business savant - I run a nonprofit in my day-to-day - but who is advising some of these fighters? Why are there not people in their corners begging them sign with other organizations or negotiate better contracts? How have fighters not gone on strike yet to effectively unionize?
I know you've talked about this extensively, but after seeing the spectacle and amount of money at the event on Saturday - I'm bewildered.
Howdy Ariel!
My boss sucks. I mean, truly terrible. Probably the worst I've ever had.
Do you or any of the fellas have any terrible boss stories? That could get dicey professionally, so maybe a story or experience from when you were younger, working at a fast food joint or something?
My misery wants company. Wish me luck on getting a different job soon!
Thanks to you and the crew for the great shows week in and week out.
Hey Ariel, lads and Frank.
Should we have a short review window after a fight has been stopped to allow a video review?
I’m thinking situations like Doumbe’s, Walker / Ankalaev or even rare early stoppages.
The window could be very short and correct outcomes preventing the need for another fight. I know there could also be major problems too and it leaves opportunity to be taken advantage of. Just a thought
Hey Ariel, you said your fastest is mile probably around 9 min. But we never found out GC’s running stats. What’s his fastest mile?
#MysteriousFrankIsAGodAmongstMen #WhoMe
Hey ariel and the crew,
I see islam calling out dustin for june, which to me makes no sense because we got charles and arman due to islam being “injured” and same for gaethje vs holloway. Not that dustin is undeserving but there were 2 clear contenders who Took a fight under the notion that the champ wouldnt be ready soon. What are your thoughts and do you think this was a lie from dana for some weird reason and islam was never injured. (Islam was also seen doing pull ups the day after dana stated islam was injured).
Cheers!
Hey Ariel and the crew,
I watched friday and saturdays watch parties, and GC’s live reactions to his bets not hitting was sad to watch. But overall great weekend for combat sports.
Given their recent performances, what trajectory do you foresee for Chito Vera and Benoit Saint Denis, and how do you think they'll fare against the top contenders moving forward? how much fights away do you think each of them are from a title eliminator or title fight??
Dear Ariel, long-time listener and fan of your work
Do you think the financial remuneration you have received (and likely will continue to receive) for services provided at Jake Paul's events has impacted your ability to be impartial when reporting matters concerning Jake?
To be frank (and not mysterious), I was irked by your comments from last week in which you appeared to dismiss criticism against Jake Paul's recent boxing endeavors by invoking 'whataboutism' concerning the depressing financial circumstances surrounding Tyson Pedro's retirement.
I absolutely agree that the state of Pedro's finances amid his retirement is a serious issue that deserves to be at the forefront of the MMA news cycle and narrative. But I believe there is a serious fallacy to the composition of your argument in characterizing people criticizing Paul as "part of the problem" contributing to situations such as Pedro's - this feels like the equivalent of arguing there is no value to expressing criticism regarding the events occurring within one code of football (i.e. MLS) because there is greater injustice taking place within a different code (i.e. the NFL). Surely the negative events occurring within both sports should be highlighted, and those levying criticism against the lesser evil (alongside their arguments) do not deserve to be written off and dismissed?
I felt this lack of impartiality was again evidenced by your coverage of the Paul vs Tyson news in your latest episode. You similarly sought to disregard the criticism levied against Paul by providing a sweeping generalization of anyone who dared to speak out against the event as hypocrites who previously complained that Jake Paul was a sub-par boxer, and offered little engagement with the narrative that it isn't appropriate for a 27yo athlete to be fighting a 58yo former athlete reportedly recently seen using a cane as a walking aid, other than saying you think Tyson "can hold his own against a bum or a novice" despite also dismissing the suggestion Paul is a bum/novice.
How is this situation so different from Vitor Belfort vs Evander Holyfield, an event that you yourself levied strong criticism against and said should not have happened? I also doubt you would take the same tone with your reporting if the UFC were organizing an event akin to Paul v Tyson on paper.
Thanks
Hello Ariel, Ric and GC!
I know it’s been a very busy weekend for you Ariel, so I was wondering if you’ve got the opportunity to catch up with the GLORY 8-man Heavyweight Grand Prix which took place last Saturday.
I attended the event live, and it was awesome!
During last week’s show, GC predicted Rico Verhoeven to meet his fellow Dutchman Levi Rigters in the final, and he was right. Levi even dropped the champ with a spinning backfist and had him badly rocked!
Ultimately Rico Verhoeven managed to overcome adversity and put Levi Rigters away in the 2nd round, winning the inaugural GLORY Heavyweight Grand Prix and an additional $500.000 of prize money.
What do you think should be next for the ‘King of Kickboxing’?
I can tell you that Rico’s newly signed contract allows him to do “crossover-superfights” against MMA and Boxing stars, and Rico expressed great interest in those fights himself.
Does the idea of Rico Verhoeven getting in the mix with the likes of Francis Ngannou, AJ, Tyson Fury, etc. excite you?
Viva Heelwani and all the best from the Netherlands,
Maurits School
Shalom Ariel and GC/Ric,
What do you think of the Florida Athletic Commission shortening the weigh in window for UFC 299? I feel it could make it harder for fighters who are trying to cut more weight, or struggling with the weight cut. Do you think they should leave it as 2 hour window?
Hey Crew, I just bought tickets for Knucklemania IV in LA, Mike Perry vs Thiago Alves. This will be my first combat sports event and I'm super excited. My questions to GC is if he would put BKFC on his list of live events to go to one time? Imagine what those Bare Knuckle hits would sound like live
In regard to Paul vs Tyson… I don’t understand how we are all glossing over the extreme courage Paul is exhibiting. To spot your opponent anything x2 is unheard of. Try giving your opponent x2 the weight, the height, the reach, the speed… you would never consider this.. yet here the problem child is spotting Tyson over x2 in age. I think we need to celebrate this courage.
Much love, Jimmy
Wagwan Ariel and crew.
Long time first time.
I understand how big of a deal it is that Netflix are moving into the live sports/combat business. I also understand ricks point that Jake should be in big fights and the normal boxer route isn’t it. I’m a Jake Paul fan to a certain extent (have enjoyed the splash he’s made in the mma/boxing world) however I’m struggling to wrap my head around how anyone can be ok with a young, fit, 27 year old with knockout power fighting a what will be 58 year old man? Mike Tyson or not it’s morally wrong in every way.
Sorry for being a bit of a “snowflake” but I really don’t get it.
Massive fan of you all and everything yous do, you’ve helped me get through a lot over the years.
Peace and love x
This question is for GC and Frank
Was watching fight feasts and noticed that when GC dunked his croqueta in the sauce he double dipped… now I’m well aware of what they say about assumptions but I would assume that Frank was okay with that?