Conor McGregor vs Nate Diaz is the most profitable rivalry in the history of mixed martial arts. Pretty amazing considering their two paths only crossed by chance, when Raphael Dos Anjos hurt his foot and cost himself millions of dollars. I’m sure RDA’s really pleased with how the last few months have panned out for him otherwise.
UFC 196 earned more revenue than any other PPV in UFC history (UFC 100 got more buys but earned less revenue), and UFC 202 is trending to do even bigger numbers. All because of two guys who weren’t even fighting for a championship. With a rivalry as intense as this one each side is going to come up with a series of excuses if their guy doesn’t win.
After UFC 196 it was Conor’s fans who needed to make excuses, but now its Nate’s fans.
