- Jan 23, 2010
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I wouldn't like it, but I'd be OK with it if he turned down an interim title fight. These guys work so hard and put so much on the line. Winning an actual UFC title is a life changing accomplishment, both as a goal and financially. Their careers are so short, too. He could lose to Stephens and then never get another chance to fight for the actual title again. Selfishly, yeah, I wanted UFC 226 to be a better card and I admire the guys that say "**** it. I'll fight anybody" like Cowboy, Conor, Frankie, etc., but I could understand it from his point of view.
.........BUT the reason he was fighting for the title in the first place is because Frankie took that fight in a very similar situation. Ortega should have passed on the opportunity.
There are only 2 fights that make sense for DC, IMO. Jon Jones and Brock. Both of which could be at HW. I think there is still a market for DC-Jones 3 now that he's the 2-division champ and it very well could set him apart in the GOAT conversation if he wins it. The interesting part for me would be if it would be at 205 or HW. From the UFC's point of view, HW would probably be better. That way, you have Brock vs. whoever wins it and it's still a monster PPV. With Brock, the only reason is the $$$.
Blades, Gus, even Romero, etc., those fights do nothing for DC, IMO. They are tough, tough fights, don't further his legacy even if he wins, and aren't big money fights. There's no upside for him. If we are talking about deserving, yeah, Gus at 205 and Blades at HW are the only 2 fights DC should be taking.
I think DC makes an exception on his March retirement date if it is for Jones, though.
Everyone agrees that there are only two fights that really make sense for DC. The problem is DC wants another fight in 2018 and neither of those two are available. So now what?