Jake Rossen/Sherdog.comThe headliner fight during the weekend of Sept. 19 isn't in boxing, and it isn't Vitor Belfort against Rich Franklin, either. It's the hammering that's going to result in one combat sport outdrawing the other.
UFC 103, highlighted by Belfort's return in Dallas, will unfold nearly hour-for-hour against Floyd Mayweather-Juan Manuel Marquez in Las Vegas. And if UFC president Dana White has it figured correctly, it's already a no-contest.
Let's Hear Your Thoughts
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"[Boxing fans] show up to see Floyd Mayweather not fight," White told -- well, I'm not sure exactly who he's addressing in the video. "This guy will run around in circles … you're going to pay $55, $60 to see 'Dancing With the Stars' with Mayweather again. On that same night, you can all tune in [to the UFC] to see five great fights for $10 less."
I shovel dirt on boxing's decomposing body so often that now is as good a time as any to break out my devil's-advocate horns. For one, Mayweather-Marquez will cost $49.95, a $5 difference. It has the potential to go 12 rounds -- or 36 minutes, compared to Franklin-Belfort's potential 15. Further, boxing has shown some surprising ingenuity by offering the fight in over 170 theaters across the country for an altogether reasonable 15 bucks.
But White's comments about fans preferring to see Manny Pacquiao in action hold up to scrutiny: According to boxingscene.com, the Filipino fighter's date with Miguel Cotto is nearly sold out for Nov. 14, while plenty of seats at all price points are still available for the Mayweather comeback.
If White's predictions are right, that's good news for MMA. After next weekend's box offices are tallied, Floyd may need to sit down.
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