Over at MixedMartialArts.com, I discuss how the UFC's impromtu July 19th event's costliness evidences just how strong the Zuffa product actually is. Notable quote:
[The UFC] is able to absorb what will likely be a very costly blow. First, the proposed event on July 19th is not at a major venue. The costs would be astronomical if they were as they surely could not fill it. However, the overarching point is that the UFC understands live gate receipts won't help the financial bottom line in this instance. They are financially taking this event squarely on the chin just to make a competitor suffer. And even if they are able to sell all of their airtime, one has to think fighters who are coming in even shorter notice than those who had their fights bumped up - like James Irvin and Anderson Silva - are likely being compensated for their sacrifices.
Whole thing here.