UFC 306 turned out to be one of the biggest pay-per-view events in the history of the promotion. Other than the spectacular visuals, the card saw some incredible fights. Injuries and boring fights are part of the game. As expected, there were also some gruesome injuries as well. This has created some controversies that have roped in Michael Bisping.
In the preliminary card of UFC 306, Irene Aldana and Norma Dumont participated in a bloody women’s bantamweight clash. During the fight, Aldana’s face got battered, and she suffered a massive cut above her right eye. Following the fight, MMA analyst Luke Thomas took to X, raising questions about the risk-to-reward ratio in UFC. However, Michael Bisping, being the company man, was there to defend UFC.
Bad take. Fighters, boxers, mma, whatever we take risks. Could have happened on the regional scene for 50 bucks. Boxers on the prelims of the biggest fights ever have died for extremely little. These are the risks we take as fighters and we are fully aware.
Michael Bisping via X
Following the bout, Aldana was taken to the hospital, where her cut was examined. It was extremely deep, and many considered it the worst cut in the promotion’s history. Though Aldana isn’t new to injuries and has suffered similar situations in her past fights, this was definitely brutal. Luke Thomas claimed that an injury like that doesn’t justify the fight purse. However, Bisping didn’t buy it.
Bad take. Fighters, boxers, mma, whatever we take risks. Could have happened on the regional scene for 50 bucks. Boxers on the prelims of the biggest fights ever have died for extremely little. These are the risks we take as fighters and we are fully aware. https://t.co/3pKulSKoxQ
— michael (@bisping) September 18, 2024
Since his retirement, Bisping has actively participated in MMA content creation and has been part of the UFC commentary team. He has also done several octagon interviews and is known for being a company man. In the past, he was criticized by fans for defending the fight between Nate Diaz and Khamzat Chimaev at UFC 279. However, Luke Thomas was in no mood to back out.
Luke Thomas hits back at Michael Bisping
UFC 306 was the biggest gate in UFC history, with ticket sales totaling $22 million. Dana White was also quite happy with the result and proud of the standards they set at the iconic Sphere. This was just another addition to UFC’s incredible momentum with its successful pay-per-view events.
Irene Aldana’s injury at UFC 306 (via X)Despite all this, fighter pay has always been a topic of discussion. Celebrities like Jake Paul have frequently criticized the promotion for their pay disparity.
While arguing with Michael Bisping over the recent injury, Luke Thomas gave a detailed explanation of his opinion.
UFC is making more money than every other MMA promotion combined and doing so from those fighters assuming said risk. That’s the only way it happens. Sharing $ on more equitable terms given literally only one side is putting their lives on the line seems pretty reasonable, IMO.
Luke Thomas via X
UFC is making more money than every other MMA promotion combined and doing so from those fighters assuming said risk. That’s the only way it happens. Sharing $ on more equitable terms given literally only one side is putting their lives on the line seems pretty reasonable, IMO.
— Luke Thomas🏋️♀️ (@lthomasnews) September 18, 2024
The argument elicited a mixed response, with some agreeing with Bisping and others supporting Thomas. Debates like this are not new, and severe injuries like that are not new either. It will be fascinating to watch how the promotion addresses this and makes improvements in the future.
