2. Tim Elliott’s troubling approach
[autotag]Tim Elliott[/autotag] had some interesting comments after his victory over Ryan Benoit in the co-main event. The former flyweight title challenger admitted he can’t say no to the UFC when they come calling, even if it’s a situation where it’s not to his benefit.
“That’s one way to get the UFC not to like to you is to not answer that call,” Elliott told reporters post-fight. “They know when they ring my number I’m going to answer, and I’m going to accept whatever they offer. Whatever pay they offer, whatever opponent they offer, whatever location they offer – I’m the guy that’s going to take what he gets and win, lose or draw I’m going to show up and make weight, and I’m going to be a professional.”
For Elliott, this approach is both a gift and a curse. He brought a three-fight losing streak into the matchup with Benoit, which he won by unanimous decision, and in that situation many other fighters would’ve been cut from the roster. Instead, though, he was rewarded with a new contract that apparently came with a raise.
That’s good if true, but the “whatever pay they offer” line is troubling. In a time when there seems to be more unrest among fighters over pay than any time before, Elliott’s mentality is detrimental to the cause.
That’s the type of culture the UFC relies on, though. Because for every one Jorge Masvidal who is is willing to stand up for his value and hold out until he gets what he wants, there are 10 Tim Elliotts who happily take anything thrown their way.
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