MMA Payout’s business story of the year is likely everyone else’s big news of the year: The Money Fight which saw Conor McGregor make his debut in the ring against Floyd Mayweather. What many thought would never happened at the beginning of 2017 actually came together rather quickly as the two squared off the last […]
MPO Year in Review: No. 2 Jon Jones returns to Octagon and is flagged by USADA (again)
In addition to the return of GSP, Jon Jones returned from suspension for his long-awaited grudge match with Daniel Cormier. However, what we thought was a great redemption story turned into another setback for a fighter that could have been the best ever. Notably, at the Summer Kickoff press conference in May, UFC fans had […]
MPO Year in Review: No. 3 GSP Returns
2017 saw the return of Georges St Pierre as he faced Michael Bisping at UFC 217 in New York this November. GSP’s return came with much fanfare, but his future with the company remains uncertain. The matchup with Bisping appeared handpicked by GSP for his return. It was scheduled for July’s UFC International Fight Week […]
MPO Year in Review: No. 4 Ali Act Expansion moving forward?
Push for the expansion of the Muhammad Ali Boxing Reform Act to combat sports continued this year with another Congressional Subcommittee Hearing. This time, the questions were pointed specifically about the impact the Ali Act might have on MMA. In December, Randy Couture, Dr. Kristen Dams-O’Connor, Pennsylvania Athletic Director Greg Sirb and the UFC’s Marc […]
UFC 219 attendance, gate and bonuses
UFC 219 ended 2017 with a reported 13,561 attending for a gate of $1.76 million. The main event also was deemed Fight of the Night with Cris “Cyborg” Justino pulling off the unanimous decision over Holly Holm. The official gate per UFC officials (via MMA Junkie) was $1,760,628.74. The event pales in comparison to last […]