UFC president Dana White infamously stated that Nate Diaz was not a “needle-mover.” After McGregor-Diaz broke PPV sales records for UFC 196, he might want to reassess that statement. That also leads to the question as who the biggest needle-movers are - who are the fighters that sell tickets and draw fan interest?
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ALL HAIL THE GOAT
JON JONES
Next fight: UFC 197, April 23
Daniel Cormier +245 vs. Jon Jones -315
The man atop the pound-for-pound fighter list could easily become the greatest MMA fighter of all time by the time his career comes to a close. He might be the most physically blessed fighter on the planet, with an insane 84-inch reach, 6’4” standing height and superb physical athleticism.
Watching Jones is akin to watching Steph Curry, Tom Brady or Lionel Messi. We’re just witnesses to their greatness. Love him or hate him, nobody can deny that Jones is a special, special talent and a superstar.
THAT REAL SH*T
NICK AND NATE DIAZ
Next fight: TBA
The Diaz brothers are antiheroes with a cult following. They mean mug, trash talk and say whatever is on their mind. And people love them for it. There’s also a good amount of people that hate them, but being polarizing is a good thing.
There’s also the fact that these dudes bring it every fight. They’ll taunt opponents inside the ring, slap them upside the head and even flip off the cameras midfight. You never know what you’re going to get with the Diaz brothers, before, during and after a fight. And that makes any fight involving them must-see entertainment.
THE GIFT OF GAB
CONOR MCGREGOR
Next fight: TBA
We have never seen a better self-promoter in MMA history, period. The claims about money, the flashy lifestyle, the iconic soundbites, there is nobody that handles - and hogs - the spotlight better than Conor McGregor.
He’s also one of those people with just as many fans as haters, so there are plenty people that will tune in just in hopes of seeing him lose. Now that he’s been forcefed a steaming slice of humble pie by Diaz, it’ll be interesting to see if his ambitions die down. Word is he wants to fight as soon as possible.
FROM MMA TO MOVIE STAR
RONDA ROUSEY
Next fight: TBA
Ronda Rousey -500 vs. Miesha Tate +350
What’s the difference between UFC stars and Ronda Rousey? UFC stars go on local radio talk shows. Ronda Rousey hosts SNL. Some UFC stars make cool Instagram videos. Ronda Rousey makes blockbuster Hollywood movies. The list goes on and on, and there’s no doubt about it: Ronda Rousey is a household name. Even your mom has probably heard of her.
Even with her beating at the hands of Holly Holm, there is still a ton of interest in seeing Ronda inside the octagon. Part of that has to do with how dominant she was against everyone else - this chick straight blasted through the 135-pound class. There’d be millions who’d be interested in seeing whether she can regain her form and recapture the belt.
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