Promotional model can force UFC's hand in matchmaking efforts

Will it sell? Unless a lot of fans confuse T.J. for B.J., probably not. Dillashaw has never fought in a UFC main event or even a co-main, and his only
Promotional model can force UFC's hand in matchmaking efforts
Promotional model can force UFC's hand in matchmaking efforts /

Light heavyweight Dan Henderson (left) has lost three of his last four fights, but his UFC ranking makes him an enticing opponent for Daniel Cormier.
Light heavyweight Dan Henderson (left) has lost three of his last four fights, but his UFC ranking makes him an enticing opponent for Daniel Cormier :: Josh Hedges/Zuffa LLC/Getty Images

Will it sell? Unless a lot of fans confuse T.J. for B.J., probably not. Dillashaw has never fought in a UFC main event or even a co-main, and his only appearance on a pay-per-view was way early in an online-only prelim. On top of that, he's a gentleman, which in most walks of life is a compliment, but not in a sport where rabble-rousers are the ones moving the needle. Even Barão, for all his astounding dominance, hasn't been a big sell. His only stint as a PPV headliner was last February, and even with featherweight champ José Aldo in the co-main event, the event did not do a big number. Expectations here are lower than a Dillashaw single-leg.

Will it sell? Of course it will sell. It's Hollywood. Gina Carano was an MMA star in her day. Ronda Rousey has taken over the role of being the face of women's MMA. Ronda has uncaged her fame, become a magazine photo spread model and movie star. Just like Gina. So in one corner we have Haywire, Fast & Furious 6 and In the Blood, and in the other corner we have The Expendables 3, Fast & Furious 7 and Entourage. Roll credits.


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Jeff Wagenheim
JEFF WAGENHEIM

Paradoxically, Jeff Wagenheim considers himself a pacifist (except when driving in traffic) but nonetheless writes about mixed martial arts, the world's most combative sport (other than driving in traffic). As a veteran of three decades in magazines and newspapers, he's a bit grayer than most who attend UFC fights, even along press row. (A fan watching an MMA media panel show recently referred to him as "that crazy hippie uncle," to which Jeff responds, "Groovy, man!") Wagenheim also has tackled pro football for SI.com, and writes about sports and the arts for The Boston Globe. When he's not on the road chasing the UFC, Jeff spends Sunday afternoons spinning Sleepy LaBeef and Boozoo Chavis records for a popular (but not pop) radio show in western Massachusetts.