An often overlooked aspect of prize fighting is what to do when a fighter is injured and can't compete. Unlike other sports, there are no second string players to replace headliners in these events. It's extremely important to have a contingency plan and having deep rosters helps ensure that fans get what they want, even if big fighters can't compete. This was the case with UFC's upcoming June card which has been cancelled due to headliner Chuck Liddell's torn hamstring. While similar problems have crippled upstart competitors to the UFC like EliteXC, UFC has been able to still schedule back-to-back big name fights despite losing what is arguably going to be its largest draw. EliteXC however had to cancel two cards with the same fighter for two different injuries, drawing the ire of televising sponsor CBS and certainly impacting EliteXC profit margins.
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2008/writers/josh_gross/05/05/notes.05.05/
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