Boxing fans are already scrimping and saving in anticipation of the Floyd Mayweather Jr. vs. Manny Pacquiao superfight, and apparently it isn’t just the common folks feeling the pugilists’ pinch. UFC women’s bantamweight champion Ronda Rousey is poring over her budget to ensure she can attend the bout.
Speaking with TMZ, Rousey discussed how, in addition to a sizable chunk of cash and her strap, her ability to attend the fight may be on the line. “I really want to go so bad,” said Rousey (as transcribed by MMAMania.com). “I gotta go beat Cat Zingano so I can make a couple million dollars and afford that ticket.”
While Mayweather and Pacquiao may enter the ring to punch each other in the face, fans will likely be the ones that get hit the hardest. To see the fight in high definition, pay-per-view providers will ask for an absurd $99.95 in the United States ($89.95 for standard definition). Tickets, on the other hand, are absolutely through the stratosphere, with early prices starting at $4,116 (no, that is not a typo) and floor seats going for more than $22,000, per Kurt Badenhausen of Forbes. The total gate for the bout is expected to be in the range of $40 million.
Rousey and Mayweather had something of an odd rivalry at one point, somewhat instigated by UFC President Dana White, who insisted that Rousey would hurt him badly in a street fight or MMA fight. Mayweather was largely unfazed, unaware of who this Ron DeRousey character was. The two settled any possible differences they had at the 2014 ESPY Awards, where Mayweather won the award for Best Fighter and Rousey won Best Female Athlete honors.
Rousey (10-0) faces Cat Zingano (9-0) on Saturday at UFC 184. Mayweather vs. Pacquiao is set to go down May 2. Stick with Bleacher Reports for our coverage of both fights.
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