Madison Square Garden’s UFC 230 has a main event problem… there is none

Over the last few months, the UFC has done what it could to add great fights to its return to Madison Square Garden on November 3. UFC 230 has what fight fans want; a homecoming for Chris Weidman against rival Luke Rockhold and a potential war between Nate Diaz and Dustin Poirier. Both fights are not the main event as of this post. In fact, tickets to the general public went on sale today and nothing has been announced.

To recap: a major UFC card in New York City does not have a main event. Or do we? How did we even get to this moment you may ask?

Throughout the summer, the UFC created money fights like Stipe Miocic v. Daniel Cormier and Henry Cejudo v. Demetrious Johnson. They also got back their cash-cow in Conor McGregor and all the baggage that comes with him. With McGregor on a collision course against Khabib Nurmagomedov at UFC 229, the UFC had to come up with other enticing matches for the rest of the year. And so it went, card after card, main events have been made. Almost all cards except UFC 230 are set. Up until the end of the year, we have:

– Frankie Edgar v. “The Korean Zombie” at UFC Fight Night 139

– Francis Ngannou v. Curtis Blaydes at UFC Fight Night 141

– Joanna Jedrzejczyk v. Valentina Shevchenko (Flyweight title) and a potential Max Holloway v. Brian Ortega (Featherweight title) bout at UFC 231

– Cris Cyborg v. Amanda Nunes (Featherweight title) at UFC 232

Not listed are several key matchups featuring non-contending fighters. Any of these fights could have been an acceptable addition to the UFC 230 card.

A Potential Solution?

Over the past few years, MMA has had an issue when it comes to cutting weight. Fights are thrown out right around event time, making companies like the UFC scramble for new match ideas. Why not add an extra division? That is exactly what Dustin Poirier (24-5 (1NC)) and Nate Diaz (19-11) are trying to do. Over the past few weeks, these two have gone on social media to convince UFC brass to make a 165-pound title.

I’m Happy to announce that I’m bringing a new weight devision to the Ufc
I’ll be fighting the main event November 3rd in nyc against Dustin Poirier for the first ever 165lb belt superfighter devision
I’m happy to be apart of history @ufc @danawhite

— Nathan Diaz (@NateDiaz209) September 26, 2018

Its been a long journey but here we are. NYC 1st ever 165lb Title in the UFC! #THEREWILLBEBLOOD #THUGJITSU

— The Diamond (@DustinPoirier) September 26, 2018

With Diaz as a money-making machine and “The Diamond’s” dominance, an idea like this should be a no-brainer, right? The UFC has repeatedly denied these claims, all the while continuing to scour the world to find a main event. There were rumors of a Light Heavyweight title fight taking place, especially after Jon Jones’ return, but that got quickly canned.

Creating a new division is something that can set the UFC apart from all MMA promotions. Some have complained, however, that it would remind them of boxing. With the UFC’s roster as stacked as it is, this makes the most sense. It can also result in another money fight. If Nate was to win the fight, and Conor was to beat Khabib, the expected trilogy fight would be an automatic lock. Add Georges St-Pierre into the mix, and money could be flowing from all angles. Therefore, something like this would be a good look for the UFC.

The Verdict

Here is where we are at the moment:

Just spoke to Dana White on the phone, he denied any plans of a 165-pound title fight at Madison Square Garden. Says he’s still working on a main event for UFC 230.

— Brett Okamoto (@bokamotoESPN) September 26, 2018

Without a title on the line, Nate and Dustin are currently scheduled to go only three rounds. A gift has literally been dropped at the door of the UFC. Unless Dana White has a last-minute Hail Mary up his sleeve, giving the fans, the fighters and the media a genuinely great idea, that was created via Twitter, may very well be best for business.