Does the UFC have enough money for rampage, the law, and herring?

[reamark3]

I really think haveing all of these three would be incredible for the UFC, but considering how the UFC seems to not like to spend money (or doesn't have the money to spend...not likely) will they contract all three? The only thing i can see them doing to make that easier is trying to get them all to sign 1 fight contracts, get them a very tough fight in which they have a large chance to lose, and then, if they lose, sign them for a longer contract for less money. If they do have all three, I don't think any will hold the belt for a long time, if at all, but it would still make for a lot of new great fights.

[ilostmydog]

No. The UFC probably bought the WFA's assets (incl: said fighter's contracts) because they don't want to pay them the amount promised on their contracts. [/sarcasm]

[dcapps953]

Yes they have enough money! The owners of the UFC just paid 4.7 billion in Cash for some Casinos! 4.7 Billion! In Cash! That is F U money!

[short bus]

if they will pay ed herman 6 figures I pray to ****ing god they would be willing to anti up for those three.

[GeoffWorldOrder]

I'd love to see Ed Herman get KTFO'd.
Add to that list:
Sam Hoger
Josh Koscheck
Chris Leben (oh wait, saw it already, thanks Anderson!)
Diego Sanchez
Rashad Evans
Kenny Florian
Rory Singer

I could name more, but those are a few that come to mind right off the bat.
And when I say KTFO'd, that's exactly what I mean. Like what happened when Nate Quarry fought Rich Franklin.
The UFC should lighten it's load by getting rid of deadweights and pony up the cash to guys who have proven themselves.

[Cbear]

Yes they have plenty of money and it looks like its all locked up.

[wgrapple]

Dana was able to cover the tab with what was in his wallet at the time...

[moriarty]

They could easily pick these three up if they wanted. The question the UFC has to ask though is do they want top talent in the UFC or do they want marketable stars that they can pay cheaply (aka TUF alumni). Hopefully the addition of the WEC will give them an outlet for both.

[Roundhouse]

They could easily pick these three up if they wanted. The question the UFC has to ask though is do they want top talent in the UFC or do they want marketable stars that they can pay cheaply (aka TUF alumni). Hopefully the addition of the WEC will give them an outlet for both.

The problem with that theory is that "marketable stars" like the TUF alumni gain bargaining power and eventually don't come cheaply either. When Forrest and Diego's original TUF contracts end, they'll actually be in line for significant pay increases because they have become "marketable".

That being the case, given the choice of shelling out big dollars for their home made stars, or shelling out big dollars to top fighters, which would you choose? I have a feeling we're going to see a blend of both going forward. Big stars from the reality series will always have their place. And quite frankly, the aforementioned guys deserve it. We may see the end of the Jason Von Flues and Alex Karalexis' before long though.

The UFC is swimming in money right now and only time will tell how aggresive they get in acquiring the top fighters in the world. The general public in the US is already under the impression they have the top fighters in the world. They're in a position now where they can make that a reality. The question is, is it worth it to them? In the long run I think it is. Dana White's proven to be an excellent leader of this company (except for the on-camera persona) and I'd be surprised if they don't make an even bigger push soon.

[moriarty]

I certainly hope the UFC commits to signing the top stars. And much to Dana's credit, he and the UFC brass have made moves to back that up lately (from bringing back Tito/BJ) to buying out some of the contracts in the WFA.

As much as I've given Dana stick about their business model, I've been eating a lot of crow lately as I certainly have to applaud most of their moves this year.

[Tony Montana]

yes, they definitely have the money. but, they'll be careful spending it because whatever they pay those guys will have to be reflected in their existing fighter's salaries eventually.