Everything you explained about the way fighters get paid is something totally broken about MMA *and* boxing. At least in other pro sports there is some semblance of a connection between pay and how good you are. Not perfect of course, and there is weirdness, but there isn't crap like the #1 best guy getting paid 1/10th what some old geezer with half his skills can get just because the old geezer pulls in the PPV.

On the drug issue: I definitely don't think protein shakes and such count. But I have to say, I think the majority of ALL pro athletes in any sport have used or are currently using some kind of illegal performance enhancing drug. Maybe I'm overly cynical. I think it is worse in sports like MMA and boxing simply because being good means more than just making more money - it also means you are less likely to take an ass beating. That is a big motivator.