Hype is one of the biggest weapons in marketing. We see it all the time in movies, music, and professional sports. That is why names such as LeBron James, Floyd Mayweather, and Ronda Rousey are so special – they are hyped in such a way that fans stop what they are doing just to see them perform. Conor McGregor kicked his way onto that list in mixed martial arts, and it is because of the hype around him that fellow UFC competitor and opposing coach on season 22 of The Ultimate Fighter Urijah Faber made some interesting comments about the Irishman. After reviewing his comments, it is hard to disagree with the former champion.
Faber took to MMA Junkie Radio to speak out in support of the UFC Interim Featherweight Champion:
“Conor winning is [expletive] good for the sport. People [expletive] love that guy, so I think the big money fights would be with him as champion. So (a McGregor win) makes a lot of sense. But I really like Jose Aldo. It’s kind of a win-win for me.”
Whether you like McGregor or not, Faber’s comments are dead on. McGregor is a promotional powerhouse that drives PPV buyrate numbers and attention. According to the MMA Payout Blue Book, UFC 189, which featured McGregor winning the interim title by defeating Chad Mendes, brought in 825,000 PPV buys. That is an astronomical number that no fighter other than Ronda Rousey can generate. Is Aldo a pound-for-pound great? Absolutely. But is he an attractive name that draws attention on the same level? Absolutely not. Over the years in which he has dominated the featherweight division, his PPV buyrates have started to dwindle, and the UFC has taken notice.
Ever since McGregor talked his way into the limelight, the organization has made calculated moves to build him into the face of the featherweight division, if not the company. McGregor has done his part by winning and winning impressively. With each victory the UFC has seen the dollar signs that accompany his name continue to increase. It was only a matter of time before the promotion would truly begin to push Aldo to the wayside.
Furthermore, Faber’s comments are correct for another reason. Aldo losing the title creates a number of fight opportunities that would help make bank for the promotion. Of course there would be an immediate rematch between the two, which would draw major attention across the sports world. Beyond that fight, the new champion could see additional fights against Frankie Edgar and in rematches with Mendes and Max Holloway.
Plus, there are lightweights waiting to get a crack at McGregor as well. Both Donald Cerrone and Anthony Pettis have addressed the fighter in recent comments. Imagine how much attention those fights would garner. Then don’t forget about Joseph Duffy, who is fighting in the main event at UFC Fight Night 76 this weekend. With every McGregor win, the potential for a bigger fight between the two grows, and the UFC stands to benefit big time.
Whether fans love him or hate him, Conor McGregor has pushed his way into nearly all of the conversations within the sport. His name is now big business, and fighters such as Faber recognize this fact. McGregor winning the title is best for business, but it remains to be seen pending the outcome of UFC 194.
• Jose Aldo vs. Conor McGregor (UFC Featherweight Championship)
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UFC 194: Aldo vs. McGregor takes place on December 12, 2015 at MGM Grand in Las Vegas, Nevada.
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UFC Fight Night 76: Holohan vs. Smolka (formerly UFC Fight Night 76: Poirier vs. Duffy) takes place on October 24, 2015 at 3Arena in Dublin, Ireland.
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