All articles tagged with #fighter pay
Matt Brown argues that the UFC isn’t at a breaking point over fighter pay despite star grievances (Jon Jones, Ronda Rousey) and high-profile pay disputes; while Netflix-backed events and MVP signings like Diaz’s deal complicate the landscape, the UFC remains the dominant promotion with exclusive contracts, and Brown suggests only a major legal/market shake-up could truly threaten its position.
Danny Silva stunned Kurtis Campbell with a second-round KO at UFC London and then revealed he’s broke, saying he can’t afford future training camps, reigniting criticism of fighter pay and calls for Dana White to pay unranked fighters more fairly.
Jon Jones says he was negotiating to fight on the UFC’s White House card but was offered only about $15 million, far below the roughly $30 million reportedly offered to face Tom Aspinall. Dana White had claimed Jones wasn’t seriously considered for the event, and Jones even asked for his release after the dispute. The White House card ultimately wasn’t Jones’s fight, instead Pereira faced Ciryl Gane for an interim heavyweight title.
Eddie Hearn, representing UFC heavyweight champ, blasted Tom Aspinall's UFC contract as a 'disgrace' and criticized pay levels as Aspinall prepares to return from a first‑round no‑contest with Ciryl Gane; he questioned why Aspinall would stay with a deal that under-mines potential rematches with Gane or Pereira, noting taxes and team costs erode earnings.
Henry Cejudo and Kamaru Usman say UFC fighter pay is too low and should be shared more fairly across the roster, potentially via coordinated action by fighters and managers, in light of the seven-year, $7.7 billion Paramount broadcasting deal that spotlighted pay disparities.
Sean O’Malley says Conor McGregor, Jon Jones and Ronda Rousey have legitimate pay concerns but fighters should recognize the platform the UFC provides; he questions how they'd fare outside the promotion, notes Covington’s criticisms, and highlights his own June 14 White House lineup bout against Aiemann Zahabi, joking that he’d likely make more money outside the UFC.
Colby Covington accuses the UFC of trying to ice him out after being left off major cards and offered no high‑level fights, blaming Hunter Campbell for a lack of opportunities and arguing the promotion prioritizes cheaper opponents despite his drawing power. He says he wants to pay his bills and that the UFC’s purported post‑fight plans never materialized. Sources note Covington reportedly turned down a 2024 fight with Ian Garry and has avoided certain Florida cards due to opponent selection and pay, highlighting broader questions about fighter pay and roster management.
Ronda Rousey attacked UFC fighters’ pay and cited Valentina Shevchenko’s OnlyFans, prompting Shevchenko to fire back on social media that using OnlyFans is a modern way to connect with fans and noting her status as UFC champion; the exchange comes as Rousey promotes a May 16 bout with Gina Carano.
Ronda Rousey used a Netflix press event for her fight with Gina Carano to rail against UFC fighter pay, arguing many fighters, even top ones, live at poverty level despite the company’s huge earnings (about $7.7 billion); the piece also notes Jon Jones’ request to be released from his UFC contract amid a dispute and Dana White’s claim that Jones wasn’t in contention for the UFC White House card due to arthritis.
Max Holloway urged UFC fighters to band together to push for higher pay, arguing that individual bargaining leads to undercuts that hurt everyone. He cited Jon Jones' $30 million demand for a Ngannou fight and Derrick Lewis's lower counteroffer as examples of how rivalries and price-sniping can drag down the whole roster, stressing fighters must know their worth and stand with peers who push for fair compensation.
Sean O'Malley reacted to reports that Zuffa Boxing signed Conor Benn for a $15 million, one‑fight deal, saying he can’t believe such a payday exists and underscoring the pay gap between boxing stars and UFC fighters. He noted Benn’s fame, questioned the figure, and suggested the move could be driven by business or ego amid ongoing tensions between UFC/White and boxing figures.
Rampage Jackson advocates for increasing UFC Fight of the Night bonuses to $1 million following the UFC's $7.7 billion broadcast deal with Paramount, with UFC president Dana White confirming bonuses will increase in 2026.
UFC's $7.7 billion deal with Paramount aims to boost fighter earnings, with promises of increased bonuses and fairer revenue sharing, though specific pay increases remain unspecified. UFC executives emphasize their commitment to paying top fighters well and compare their revenue sharing favorably to other sports leagues, while also highlighting the broader opportunities this deal may create for fighters and the sport's growth.
Dan Hooker criticized UFC policies in an interview, addressing issues like ticket denial, fighter pay, and matchmaking practices, sparking mixed reactions from fans.
Ahead of his UFC 302 fight against Paulo Costa, Sean Strickland criticized the UFC for inadequate fighter pay and not treating fighters fairly. Strickland, who lost his middleweight title to Dricus Du Plessis in January, expressed frustration over not getting a rematch and highlighted the disparity between UFC executives' earnings and fighters' pay. Despite his grievances, Strickland emphasized the importance of not tying one's self-worth to their job. He also downplayed Costa's skills, calling him a "very basic" fighter.