MMA World Reacts to New Fighter's Assc. Led by GSP, Cerrone, Kennedy and Rebney

A much ballyhooed press conference took place on Wednesday afternoon, and it didn't take long to parse out the intentions of those in attendance.

Talks of a fighter's union in MMA has gone through numerous iterations over the years, but 2016 was a decidedly big year with the addition of the Professional Fighter's Association (PFA). However, a leak of names forced women's bantamweight Leslie Smith and labor lawyer Lucas Middlebrook broke from the PFA (h/t Marc Raimondi of MMA Fighting).

Wednesday, another player came to the forefront with outspoken fighters and the backing of some very interesting characters.

UFC middleweight contender Tim Kennedy was the first to speak at the press conference.

MMA Fighting's Ariel Helwani tweeted Kennedy's words about this not just being about today's fighters but also past fighters who have endured a career's worth of punishment.

Damon Martin of Fox Sports reports the official new name of the endeavor that was released at the presser.

After Kennedy, GSP took to the stage. The former welterweight kingpin said he feels the UFC will villify him and brought up the current leading star — Conor McGregor.

And here is the first official tweet from the new fighter's association:

Other fighters at the press conference, Donald Cerrone, TJ Dillashaw and Cain Velasquez spoke about the new association as well as their struggles under the current system.

Sport Illustrated's Mike Dyce showcased former Bellator figurehead Bjorn Rebney's pointed remarks concerning WME-IMG, the new owners of the UFC.

Although B/R's own Jonathan Snowden points out the dangers in believing what Rebney says given his history in the space.

"

How am I supposed to take what Rebney is saying seriously when he tells an obvious lie about the revenue he paid fighters with Bellator?

— Jonathan Snowden (@JESnowden) November 30, 2016"

B/R's Patrick Wyman also points out that his nefarious dealings also gives him great insight into fixing the problems fighters face today.

Rebney then dropped the magic word during his time on the mic at the press conference.

Kennedy also gave insight into how the fighter's association is currently structured.

The fighters know they are taking a risk. Not only did GSP admit he thinks the UFC will see him as the bad guy, but Dillashaw spoke that he is fearful of repercussions as well.

In response to SI's Mike Dyce, labor lawyer Lucas Middlebrook spoke to the current position the new association is in without being certified. The UFC has no obligation to sit with them currently.

Snowden is not the only veteran reporter questioning Rebney. MMA Fighting's Luke Thomas had an observation of Rebney as well.

The always outspoken Ben Askren, ONE FC's welterweight champion, thinks it makes sense for the association to be organization specific and not industry-focused.

Other fighters took to the Twittersphere to share their thoughts.

"

@TimKennedyMMA I have questions contact me.

— tim means (@MeansTim) November 30, 2016"

"

This sounds too good to be true. I'd break down and cry if I had any emotion left for this game. @TimKennedyMMA @Cowboycerrone

— Cole Miller  (@colemillerATT) November 30, 2016"

Are the Fertitta's geniuses for selling the UFC when they did?

"

I honestly love that the Fertittas got away scot-free. If this was a caper film, they'd be on the beach in Mexico with boat drinks.

— Jonathan Snowden (@JESnowden) November 30, 2016"

"

WME-IMG buying UFC doesn't change any of their robust contractual rights when it comes to fighters.

— Jonathan Snowden (@JESnowden) November 30, 2016"

Hey, GSP, what about that McGregor fellow?

Not all questions were answered.

"

Bjorn Rebney just ducked the question about how the #MMAA is funded.

— Jonathan Snowden (@JESnowden) November 30, 2016"

"

Things the #MMAAA have not answered:

1. Who they are funded by
2. What they intend to do

— Jonathan Snowden (@JESnowden) November 30, 2016"

As the press conference zeroed in on the two hour mark...

"

I respect what these fighters are trying to do, but this is a mess. Thought it would be more organized. A lot of ignorance and naivety.

— Josh Sánchez (@jnsanchez) November 30, 2016"

At the end of the event skepticism full crept in from around the MMA world.

Stick with Bleacher Report for continual coverage as more is learned about the latest fighter's association and its impact on the sport.