“They’re (UFC) Not the Best Option” – Big John McCarthy Goes Head On With Joe Rogan After Commentator Says Fighters Are Wasting Careers in PFL

The UFC has become synonymous with the sport of MMA. Over its thirty-year existence, the UFC has become by far the most popular MMA promotion in the world, to the point where the two terms have become interchangeable. And given this dominance, UFC commentator Joe Rogan thinks that elite fighters not in the UFC are essentially wasting their time.

The JRE podcast host felt there was not much of a fanbase for UFC rivals such as the PFL and Bellator. And legendary MMA referee ‘Big’ John McCarthy felt this was an oversimplification and gave a much more nuanced take while disagreeing with the world’s most successful podcaster.

John McCarthy disagrees with Joe Rogan

McCarthy told his ‘Weighing In’ podcast co-host Josh ‘The Punk Thomson that Rogan was right in one regard, and it was the basis of a question the referee asked all-new fighters: whether their primary aim was to earn money or have a chance to become famous.

“The one thing that Joe’s right about and this is what I’ve said all the time about the UFC and to other fighters: you have to break this down and look at what is important [to you].” the 61-year-old told Thomson.

On the other hand, if the fighters wanted fame and to test themselves against the best in the world, McCarthy would advise them to go the UFC route, as the world’s largest promotion has the marketing and PR prowess to make a talented fighter famous.

“Is it to become famous? And if it is, the UFC is the best option for you; they have the best marketing and they are going to, if you do what you’re supposed to do, they’re going to put that marketing behind you and more people are going to know you than ever before,” he added. However, there was one aspect where UFC lacked behind its competitors, according to the podcast host.

What makes the UFC lag as per McCarthy?

If a fighter told him they wanted to make the most money, the referee advised them to join the PFL, or Bellator roster, if they were willing to pay more.

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“If you’re fighting for money they’re not the best option, okay. The PFL and Bellator [are better options]… because the UFC is the biggest but the UFC, besides a couple of people the best the the best-paid fighters are outside of the UFC,” he added.

And McCarthy’s assessment does seem to hold a lot of merit. After all, former UFC heavyweight champion, Francis Ngannou, for example, left the promotion over disagreements over issues including fighter pay sponsorships. Similarly, Demetrious ‘Mighty Mouse’ Johnson, one of the greatest mixed martial artists of all time signed with ONE FC as he felt he was not being paid what he felt he deserved from the UFC.

What do you think about John McCarthy’s comments on the UFC and its rivals?

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