Fronted by Chris Nelson.

Roger Huerta's recent comments in Fight! Magazine have led to much debate about his future with the UFC.  Dana White is not known for his acceptance of fighter complaints.  Now, Huerta seems to be trying to avert a possible dispute.  From MMA Junkie:

Huerta didn't back away from the comments but said they've been widely misinterpreted. "The misconception is, and the thing that people are getting wrong, is that (I realize) I'm blessed I was part of the UFC and I'm blessed with what they've done for me," Huerta said softly amid a din Thursday following a public news conference at Mall of America. "I wouldn't be in the situation I'm in if it weren't for them. They've done so much for the sport. They're the guys in the forefront, sanctioning MMA and showing everybody what we're like as MMA fighters and that we're professional athletes, too. They're the ones who were once $40 million in the hole and they're the ones who are putting up the money to build this sport.

"All I was saying," Huerta added, head down, staring at the floor, "is that from an economic point of view, I have to think of economics. I was a business major. You have to think that way. I think about taxes and my Roth IRA and my retirement plan and, ‘How long can I do this for?' I know I'm not Randy Couture and I know I can't be 44 years old and still compete. I gave myself a five-year plan to do what I can and that's what I was talking about."

In my mind, this is an extremely savvy move by Roger Huerta.  No matter what his true feelings are regarding his current contract, inciting a contentious contract squabble with Dana White and company could severely damage his career.  First, White could choose to put him on the sidelines.  Huerta is building momentum with MMA fans.  Not fighting could kill this momentum.  He's still got a lot of time left on his current contract.  Being out of action or even in undercard matches isn't where Huerta wants to be if he plans on improving his salary with any promotion.

Second, fans don't dig whiny athletes.  While Huerta doesn't receive a big salary from the UFC, he's not at the bottom of the rung, either.  I don't see a lot of sympathy for his financial situation developing among MMA fans.  If he fights and beats top contenders at lightweight, fans may become more supportive of him seeking a larger contract.  For now, Huerta should concentrate on improving his fight game and keep the contract issues out of the media.  Dana White doesn't enjoy being scrutinized in public.  Though Huerta has leverage due to his marketability, White is still in a position of strength.  He could make or break Huerta's career at this point.  By attempting to cool the situation now, Huerta is making a move that will postition himself for a more lucrative contract in the future.