The Executive Director of the Nevada Athletic Commission Bob Bennett noted that money does not matter with respect to the decisions of the NAC in approving fights. The Commission has come into question with the Mayweather-McGregor fight which happens this Saturday, August 26th.
Bennett was interviewed by Ariel Helwani on The MMA Hour on Monday. When faced with the question of sanctioning the Mayweather-McGregor fight he admitted to deviating from the usual way he evaluates fights. Bennett went on to say that he consulted with Virgil Hunter who said McGregor matched Nate Diaz’s boxing skills at UFC 202.
Payout Perspective:
I am not persuaded by Bennett’s interview or explanation. Mayweather has a 49-0 record and McGregor is 0-0 in boxing. The move to change the gloves came with circumstantial evidence that it was justified. In scenarios where health and safety is an issue, there should have been more time to study the affects with the smaller gloves. Yet, it was pushed through without much debate. It makes the commission look weak and willing to shape rules based on business. The fact that he is using evidence from a boxing coach to seek a favorable opinion is all you need to know. Bennett strains to come up with compelling evidence to justify McGregor receiving a boxing licensing and that a fight with Mayweather would be competitive. The words “health” and “safety” seem to be used more as just lip service rather than real words to protect fighters.
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