UFC
Dana White guarantees that when Ronda Rousey vs. Cris Cyborg happens, it will do over two million pay-per-view buys
May 20, 2015 - 6:40:35 PM Dana White guarantees that when Ronda Rousey vs. Cris Cyborg happens, it will do over two million pay-per-view buys

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By: Jamie Penick, MMATorch Editor-in-Chief

"I don't know [who wins], I think that's why the fight is so exciting. There's no denying that Cyborg's a beast, man. She's tough, and many people believe - including me - that Ronda's the best in the world and the best female fighter ever. So it's one of those fights that's very intriguing. And I'll tell you this, Jim, when that fight happens I guarantee you that fight does over two million pay-per-view buys. It will be massive.. Who would you rather be, Cyborg or Ronda? Cyborg just always sounds like she's trying to get the fight with Ronda; all she has to do is make 135 pounds and we've got a fight... I want that fight. Ronda wants that fight, and I think everybody else wants to see that fight. Supposedly, sometime before the end of this year [Cyborg]'s supposed to cut down to 135 pounds, she will fight in Invicta, and if she fights that fight and wins, then Ronda will be next."

-During an appearance on the Jim Rome Show on Wednesday, UFC President Dana White argued that a Ronda Rousey-Cris Cyborg fight will go over two million pay-per-view buys (transcribed by MMAFighting.com).

Penick's Analysis: If Dana and the UFC actually believe that fight does two million buys, then it doesn't make sense for them to delay putting it together, no matter the weight. That said, it's ridiculous to put that kind of prediction on that fight when it's just not likely to get there. Getting to a million for that fight would be massive, and would be highly successful, given as no women's fight has ever drawn that as a headliner. Rousey's become an unabashed star and a clear draw, no question, but not at that level. And while Cyborg's name continues to be brought out, she's been fighting on cards streaming online for the last several years, and hasn't had television exposure. It's a big fight, it can be promoted heavily, but it's just not a fight that will bring in two million buys, and putting that number on it means setting it up for disappointment.