The highly anticipated unification bout between UFC heavyweight champions Jon Jones and Tom Aspinall remains a hot topic, fueled by social media exchanges and Dana White`s public assurances that the fight will happen. However, UFC veteran Renato Moicano offers a less optimistic perspective.
Moicano is highly skeptical of the fight`s likelihood, labeling the situation “absurd.” He draws a parallel between Jones`s apparent delay and Conor McGregor`s history of inactivity, suggesting Jones might be trying to wait until Tom Aspinall is past his prime. Moicano notes that while both fighters hold significant influence, McGregor historically possessed a unique level of “hype.”
While acknowledging that Dana White likely *wants* the fight, Moicano believes the UFC is in a difficult position. He argues that despite the potential for moving on if Jones retires, having stars like Jones and McGregor around is crucial for negotiating lucrative new TV deals.
According to Moicano, the UFC faces a challenge due to a perceived lack of global superstars compared to past eras featuring figures like Ronda Rousey or Brock Lesnar. He points to current champions across various weight classes (mentioning Alexandre Pantoja, Merab Dvalishvili, Alexander Volkanovski, Islam Makhachev, Belal Muhammad, Jack Della Maddalena, Dricus Du Plessis, Magomed Ankalaev, and noting Alex Pereira and Khamzat Chimaev`s potential) who, while skilled, lack broad mainstream popularity. This situation, Moicano argues, leaves the UFC more reliant on established names like Jon Jones and Conor McGregor.
Specifically regarding the heavyweight division, Moicano expresses disappointment, criticizing fighters like Ciryl Gane and Alexander Volkov for their perceived inactivity or skill gaps. He believes the division`s direction is largely dictated by Jon Jones. Moicano`s ultimate prediction is that the fight between Jones and Aspinall will *not* happen. He suspects Jones is simply delaying, unwilling to take the significant risk presented by Aspinall, whom Moicano describes as a fast, athletic, and dangerous “new generation” heavyweight. The potential for loss, in Moicano`s view, makes the fight not “worth it” for Jones.
Moicano suggests that allowing fighters like Jones and McGregor to build excessive leverage isn`t ideal for the promotion, especially under the current business model. While acknowledging the UFC`s role in building McGregor`s stardom, Moicano cautions that allowing such powerful figures too much control can be detrimental, metaphorically warning the UFC not to let the “wolf” they created become too big and turn on its “owner.”
The UFC`s financial outlook appears strong, bolstered by increasing site fees for live events and the anticipation of a highly lucrative new broadcast rights agreement.
Moicano emphasizes the immense profitability of the UFC, particularly as they transition to potentially more lucrative partnerships with platforms like Netflix or Amazon, deals reportedly worth billions annually. He highlights the UFC`s efficient, “unbeatable machine” for developing talent through shows like the Contender Series, signing fighters to smaller contracts, and quickly cycling through them. However, he circles back to the core reason for needing Jones and McGregor now: these big names are essential for generating the viewership numbers necessary to secure the *best possible* terms in the upcoming broadcast deal negotiations. Once that deal is finalized, Moicano suggests, the immediate need for these specific stars diminishes, as the promotion can rely on its talent-generating system for long-term revenue.
