Ronda Rousey is headlining the UFC 157 fight card in Anaheim, California and there are plenty of folks who don’t agree with it. Most recently, Dan Henderson’s Boxing Coach, Gus Pugliese took to Facebook to argue his point.
“Ronda is headlining UFC 157. Here is why I have a problem with that. Ronda is the champion of Strikeforce with 6 wins in less than 2 years of a mma professional career. That’s impressive regardless of who she has fought. However, she is not the UFC champion yet. She still has to win this fight to get that belt. On the other hand , we have Hendo, who has also been the Strikeforce champion (never lost the belt),Pride champion in 2 different weight classes; he has been ranked #1 contender for the UFC 205lbs, and #6 by many pound for pound best fighter. His resume is second to none, moreover, he is fighting a former champion, Lyoto Machida. Now why aren’t they main event? Is Ronda a better market value? I don’t know, but her fight could be quick as usual and we could be missing another historic 5 rds fight between 2 legends and possible hall of famers. I’m not saying she doesn’t deserve to headline an UFC event, but certainly not this one.”
The Team Quest coach made some very legitimate points as to why his fighter should headline with Lyoto Machida at UFC 157 and Rousey should not. Unforunately, UFC President Dana White does not agree, as he has said, “If you’re the champion you’re the headliner; you’re the top of the card.”
Pugliese spoke with MMASucka.com about the above comment from White and said he feels that fighters should have to pay their due diligence.
“He is the President of the UFC, if he feels Ronda has a better market value than Hendo or Machida, he is goona risk it. But Ronda never fought for the UFC, she was given the belt without a fight there. I believe in pecking order, and paying dues. In this particular case, it wasn’t applied.”
Henderson and Machida will square off in the co-main event at UFC 157 on February 23 at The Honda Center in Anaheim, California.
Cant disagree with that….