The UFC was shutout for the 2nd straight year in Bloomberg Businessweek’s Top Power 100 Sports Ranking. Notably, boxers Manny Pacquiao (28) and Floyd Mayweather, Jr. (49) were on the list.
Drew Brees edged out Aaron Rodgers for the top spot this year. Brock Lesnar and Fedor made it on the list in 2010. The list is based on an athlete’s performance, popularity and marketability.
Last year’s top spot, Peyton Manning, fell to 51st on the list. Lance Armstrong, No. 8 on the list last year, fell off the list completely as he announced his retirement last February. Despite retiring, Shaquille O’Neal remained No. 7 on the list.
Payout Perspective:
Will there be a UFC fighter on this list next year? Certainly, Jon Jones and Georges St. Pierre would be the two names that would come to mind when it comes to the criteria. Jones would be more likely to make the mainstream jump this year consdering GSP’s injury. A combination of Jones’ personality, his athletic ability and the UFC’s visibility through the Fox deal should help land Jones on this list.
If GSP hasn’t made the list already in his career I dpunt he will next year at the end of his career with less name guys to fight. He doesn’t have former champs like Hughes and Penn to fight to have block buster fights. Diaz being the only thing close. Overeem has a chance to be huge if he can’t become champ and keep the title a while. Maybe not the next list but the one after that.
BS,
I think Jones is the closest. Overeem if he becomes the UFC Heavyweight champ. I am surprised Anderson Silva is not on the list but he may just be the huge mainstream draw in Brazil.
Ya well when you pay your athlete like shit, what do you expect.