Last week, I had the opportunity to speak with my former BJJ Training Partner and now Professor at the University of Texas-Austin. She has a book coming out, “Fighting Visibility, Sports Media and Female Athletes in the UFC”
There was also a UFC PPV last week which did well business-wise. Per John Ourand at the Sports Business Journal, it drew 600K domestic buys and another 200K internationally. The good news is the sign that Israel Adesanya (despite his first loss) is becoming a PPV attraction.
The rematch of Roman Gonzalez and Juan Francisco Estrada did not disappoint. Both fighters put on a show and Chocolatito was written off but showed he can still do it. Yet, he lost a close decision…on two cards. One judge had it 117-111 in favor of Estrada which would be contrary to what everybody else thought was a close 12 round, hard-fought fight. As a result, the judge Carlos Sucre, was temporarily suspended by the WBA.
On Monday, ESPN reported that Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury has signed on to a two-fight deal to unify all of the Heavyweight belts. Despite the news, there is still a lot to figure out such as the promotion of the fight, PPV and maybe most importantly the site. Reports are that they want the fights to happen THIS YEAR. So, expect one perhaps this summer and another this winter.
Finally, an RIP to Boxing Legend Marvin Hagler who passed away on Saturday night.