Gonzaga told viewers of his video blog that he’s “not going to fight for cheap money.” The UFC paid well, he said, and other promoters may not “pay me what I think I should have to fight.”

Gonzaga’s financials are private, but between sponsorship deals, bonuses, and guaranteed pay, he almost certainly had an annual income in the six figures. That standard of living becomes difficult to sustain when you begin shopping your services through the tier of mid to low-range promotions, where he could see his salary cut in half -- if not worse. Rather than panhandle, it seems like Gonzaga would just rather find something else to do.