Floyd Mayweather is currently the best boxer in the world, and it would be a very smart move for him financially to begin promoting MMA fighters.
A few days after his big win over Canelo Alvarez, Mayweather talked about the possibility of getting involved in the MMA business and even possibly the UFC. According to Ben Thompson of FightHype.com, Mayweather had this to say about the subject:
I want to promote MMA fighters also. We looking to promote MMA fighters, so it's the first time you're hearing it on Fighthype.
You know, Al Haymon is looking to manage MMA fighters. Even though Al Haymon hasn't come on record and said it, but I want Al to manage MMA fighters. I think I can take them to the next level.
You know, I don't mind doing business with Dana White. Dana White's a cool guy. I've been knowing Dana before he got involved with the MMA.
While it may seem a bit strange to have a boxer promoting a mixed martial artist, having a boxer as reputable as Mayweather promoting fighters and fights can mean only one thing:
More money for everyone.
Mayweather knows what he's doing when it comes to making money. He was guaranteed $41.5 million for his fight against Canelo, and the payout could have topped over $100 million.
While the UFC is a private business and does not release sales figures, we do know that they have drawn large audiences in the past, and the sport and league under Dana White appears to be doing very well for itself.
By having Mayweather as a promoter for fighters, it will only increase the popularity of the sport. Money's popularity extends well beyond that of the UFC around the world, and his presence creates the opportunity to reach out to a newer audience.
Money's popularity will reach out to a wider fanbase, but his mouth will attract even more publicity. Even if he isn't fighting, you can bet that Mayweather will be talking all kinds of trash about the opponents of whoever he's representing.
Strangely enough, White and Mayweather have not gotten along very well in years past. White had previously called Money a racist back in 2012 following comments about former New York Knicks point guard Jeremy Lin.
Still, money seems to make people forget about their differences.
Whatever Mayweather's role is in the sport, it's certainly interesting to see boxing and MMA potentially join forces, and it makes a lot of sense financially for both sides.
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