In my estimation, MMA specifically UFC shows that a dictatorship is the most viable business model for combat sports in the modern day. The argument that MMA fighters will see a higher pay in boxing and move over to boxing promoters acts on the assumption that boxing can maintain those high of paydays, which I'm not so sure about, at least not in the US.

As to boxing making a return to network TV, I find this highly unlikely as the first step as the universal appeal of boxing is not what it once was and why would a promoter choose to go with a network when they can pocket much more money from the selected viewership of premium cable channels or better yet PPV?

I think a league type setup in boxing would be a good thing, I will probably start another thread with the particulars. It all comes down to, not only are the best fighters in a division not likely to fight each other, but the best fighters in a division are likely to fight only once a year. It's hard to really get behind a fighter you won't see for who knows how long except to talk trash on youtube.

My personal take on MMA: I am not a fan of the ground game, but I can appreciate the athleticism and skill of it, the same way as I look at the ballet, plenty of skill and athleticism just not my cup of tea. I won't go out of my way to watch MMA, but if it's on I'll watch it.