The UFC is on a two-week break to start 2017 after having one of its biggest and craziest years. However, there are significant news to start the year like Conor McGregor's amazing pay-per-view stats, the UFC hiring a former WWE commentator and more.
Conor McGregor Can Outsell Entire UFC Roster
In a recent episode of The Joe Rogan Experience podcast, Joe Rogan revealed a staggering stat about the reigning lightweight champion's drawing power. He noted that McGregor's last three fights drew more buys than the entire 2014 UFC roster.
"Honestly, there's Conor McGregor and there's everybody else. There was a thing that they showed the other day that Conor in three fights drew more pay-per-view than the entire UFC roster in 2014," Rogan said.
2017 will be an even bigger year for "Notorious" because he is the only remaining draw in the company. Ronda Rousey lost a lot of star power after her second straight defeat at the hands of Amanda Nunes at UFC 207.
UFC Hires Todd Grisham
UFC 207 was longtime play-by-play announcer Mike Goldberg's last event for the company. He left after spending 20 years with the UFC. There is no official replacement for Goldberg just yet but the UFC hired a former WWE and current ESPN reporter.
According to MMA Fighting, the UFC are bringing Grisham to work on the studio desk and play-by-play role for fights on FOX Sports. He will make his debut at UFC Fight Night: Penn vs. Rodriguez on January 15 in Phoenix, Arizona.
The 40-year-old spent seven years in the WWE as a host, interviewer, and commentator. He joined ESPN in 2011 and he will continue working them while he is with the UFC. He was also part of the broadcast team for Glory in 2016.
Brock Lesnar Officially Gets One-Year Suspension
The United States Anti-Doping Agency has released a statement via their official website regarding the suspension of UFC and WWE superstar. Lesnar tested positive twice for banned substances but he can return to fighting again on July 15, 2017.
UFC Announces Three More Fights
The UFC has added Daniel Jolly vs. Khalil Rountree Jr. on the UFC Fight Night: Houston card for Super Bowl weekend. Also, Todd Duffee vs. Mark Godbeer and Mirsad Bektic vs. Darren Elkins are added to the UFC 209 card on March 4 in Las Vegas, per UFC.com.
Check out the video below to see Grisham being attacked by John Cena during his time in the WWE.