"Money May" to MMA?????
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by E-ROC
I don't know if this was posted yet. If so, my apologies.
Quotes from the ESPN article:
"It's definitely something he is interested in, and when Floyd makes his move, obviously it's going to be a mega event," Ellerbe said. "We don't have a timetable. Floyd is taking some time off, but Floyd understands what is involved. You have to take time to go out and understand what you're getting involved in, and he's ready to do that. But it's something he's definitely interested in doing.
"Mark Cuban is a very successful businessman and has some very, very successful business ventures that we've discussed. We're looking to do a lot of business with Mark. He's a great guy, and we had a great meeting. Doing an MMA event with him is most definitely something we are looking at, among many things we are looking at doing with Mark Cuban."
"Floyd is considering fighting with HDNet Fights," Cuban told ESPN.com. "We are going to let him visit some gyms to talk to some folks about what it would take to learn. He knows it won't be easy. But he is getting involved with MMA and HDNet Fights one way or another. He is pumped about it. He wants to go on to the next big thing. Floyd is a brilliant marketer. He follows the money."
"If I said there's a guaranteed $30 million payday, Floyd would be lacing them up," Cuban said, optimistic that Mayweather would participate in an MMA match eventually. "If not, I could see him working to train and develop and invest in MMA fighters, knowing the upside. He can teach them how to be a better boxer and add to their other skills."
"Floyd is about taking on challenges," Ellerbe said. "This ain't some kind of prank. That is one of many things we've talked about with Mark. Floyd would have to take time to really understand it, but it is most definitely something he is interested in."
I think Money May can make the leap to MMA. Floyd is still in his prime and hasn't really been hurt while boxing. He doesn't ever take his opponents lightly. Always stays in shape year in, year out. One thing I do worry about are his hands. He has chronic pain in his hands and gets therapy for it. All it takes is for him to miss the face of his opponent and hit the floor with his hand.
Also, Randy Couture is just a phone call away. Randy has a gym in Vegas and Floyd lives there. It's a match made in heaven. To freakish athletes with one training the latter in MMA. Couture doesn't get enough credit as a trainer and coach. Just take a look at Tyson Griffin and Forrest Griffin (Some of you think he's a fluke or overrated; I'll give him the benefit of a doubt). By the way, Couture is training Wanderlei Silva for his fight against Chuck Liddell (Good luck, Chuck! You will need it) this weekend.
If Mayweather fights for Mark Cuban's company, how does that impact UFC? I think Dana White will have to give his fighters a pay raise. You know Cuban has REALLY deep pockets and can give Mayweather a boatload of money. UFC fighters don't get paid much when you look at how violent that sport is. The UFC makes a lot of money. That company isn't broke or on the verge of being broke, despite trying to be one of the major sports. Randy Couture left because of money, despite according to Dana White, being the second highest paid fighter in the UFC. Money May's possible signing could also put pressure on Brock Lesnar to perform when he faces Frank Mir (I don't like that matchup for Lesnar; Mir is a very, very good fighter; just ask "The Maniac"). Especially if Money May (boxer) fights and succeeds. If Brock (former pro wrestler) loses in a non-competitive fashion, the UFC could catch some heat.
With all that said, I don't think Mayweather will make the transition to MMA, at least not right now. Floyd has to Miguel Cotto. He knows where his place in boxing history is and should be. Floyd can elevate his legacy to new heights with a W over Miguel Cotto. With Floyd, it's all about money and if the situation is right. The money, publicity, and fame is there for Floyd. Imagine Floyd Mayweather vs Miguel Cotto at MSG on the eve of the Puerto Rican Day Parade???? Priceless. You know Floyd will be the villain and that fight will be hyped to the max while the always honest hard punching Cotto plays the hero. That is stage that Floyd would be leaving if he chose to fight in the MMA game. I just can't see it happening.
Credit to ESPN for the quotes: http://sports.espn.go.com/sports/boxing/news/story?id=3165552
Brock Lesnar vids: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4pGDUz8pfY4 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nTczMKtmvdQ http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jWQ1AyGUFsQ
