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In 2016, the Ultimate Fighting Championship was sold to the WME-IMG group for 4.2 billion dollars and was the largest sports acquisition ever at the time. The UFC has since prospered but not at the level that was expected by Ari Emanuel (CEO at WME).
However, with a talent pool larger than ever and the fight game garnering more & more interest from new fans, the UFC could potentially be nearing its golden-era. With new stars including the likes of TJ Dillashaw, Khabib, Rose Namajunas, it is important that the Nevada based company makes the most of this surge of talent.
The very fact that the UFC has helped carve a unique niche for the sport of MMA in this fast-changing entertainment-driven world, just goes to show how much of a success the company has been thus far. Speaking of which there are several big money fights on the horizon for the UFC right now--something that the promotion needs to capitalize on sooner rather than later, so as to prevent the odd money fight from slipping away.
Now, Conor Mcgregor is in his own league and is constantly pulling away from the pack, so here we take a look at some lucrative bouts that do not feature the Irishman--
#1 Francis Ngannou vs Anthony Joshua (Discipline: MMA)
Now, it is well known that the Englishman is a champion boxer and not a mixed martial artist, but the unbeaten star has expressed his interest in MMA several times and responded positively when asked if he'd like to be involved with the UFC.
This is an interesting match-up as it squares up the Watford native against arguably the hardest hitter in the UFC's history. Ngannou possesses knockout power unlike any other and has a good stand up game.
However, the Cameroonian has a limited skill set on the ground and thus it makes for a competitive fight should one book him against Anthony Joshua in an MMA bout. Regardless of who wins, White could arrange for a boxing bout in the rematch and that could be a good start for Zuffa Boxing given the reception it would receive.
#2 Georges St Pierre vs Nick Diaz 2
The two squared-off back in 2013 with GSP coming out on top. Nick Diaz has been inactive and has been suspended, St-Pierre meanwhile returned and beat middleweight champion, Michael Bisping, to join an elite list of champions further bettering his legacy & brand.
Having served his USADA ban, Diaz is now cleared to compete and the Californian and his brother Nate Diaz command fan-interest matched by few others in the sport. The fight can be held at welterweight, middleweight, and even a catch-weight event isn't out of the question as it promises to be a marvelous contest.
#3 Cris Cyborg vs Amanda Nunes
This all Brazillian match-up could help women's MMA ascend to another level, and could quite easily be the biggest female combat event in history sports. Cyborg is unbeaten in MMA barring a loss early in her career.
Meanwhile, American Top Team athlete Nunes has been stomping her authority in the Bantamweight division and is on a roll. The UFC could hold this event in the city of Rio and it may as well end up being one of the greatest fights in the company's run considering how the two fierce warriors match up against one another.
#4 Lesnar vs Jones
Although no date has been given yet, Brock Lesnar vs Daniel Cormier was announced after the Olympian beat Stipe Miocic to claim the heavyweight belt. The fight is an interesting one as both are good wrestlers and Lesnar's return will surely garner interest from the casual fan-base.
Jones vs Lesnar, on the other hand, is an even more lucrative offering only because of all the different situations that would come forth. First, it is a more even match-up as Lesnar has an advantage of mass and wrestling going up against Jones' superior martial art skills.
Furthermore, Jones is better known globally compared to Cormier and is considered by most to be the best mixed martial artist to have ever lived. It would be a mammoth main event & could definitely end up being in the Top 5 in terms of commercial earnings and otherwise.
5) Floyd Mayweather vs CM Punk
No doubt the biggest fight on this list, one that would give Mcgregor a run for his money and could very well beat every Pay Per View record ever for the UFC.
CM Punk so far has had two fights in MMA and has been overpowered due to his lack of ring IQ and very basic ground and striking game. Mayweather is the greatest boxer in the modern era but has no to little knowledge about MMA.
The two possess minimal Mixed Martial Arts intellect, but are well-known superstars around the world, and thus the UFC match-makers can put together this bout which is low on skill but very high on star power. The stumbling block could be Money's exorbitant asking price but all parties involved are veterans and have put together some of the biggest fights in all of sport, so fingers crossed they can get this done.
