The debate around fighter pay took centre stage at UFC London, as several athletes questioned earnings despite delivering high-intensity performances inside the octagon.
While the spotlight often falls on headline bouts, fighters like Nathaniel Wood and Mason Jones stole the show on the undercard with thrilling wins at the The O2 Arena.
Wood extended his winning streak, while Jones was involved in a brutal contest that left both fighters exhausted and bloodied. Yet, despite such efforts, undercard fighters continue to earn significantly less than top stars in the Ultimate Fighting Championship.
Undercard fighters question pay disparity
Wood openly admitted feeling “heartbroken” after learning about the massive earnings of boxer Conor Benn, who reportedly secured an £11m deal under Zuffa Boxing, owned by UFC president Dana White.
Having spent years in the UFC, Wood pointed out that his earnings are nowhere near even a fraction of such deals. The disparity has reignited comparisons between MMA and boxing, with UFC fighters reportedly receiving around 20% of event revenue, compared to nearly 60% in boxing.
Fellow fighter Michael Page echoed similar concerns, stressing the physical risks involved in MMA and arguing that fighters deserve better compensation relative to other sports.
Fighters explore new revenue avenues
With limited earning potential from fight purses alone, some athletes are seeking opportunities outside the UFC. Heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall recently partnered with boxing promoter Eddie Hearn to boost his commercial prospects.
However, UFC contracts restrict fighters from competing in other major promotions, making external deals one of the few ways to increase income.
Jones highlighted the reality of modern MMA, saying fighters must actively build their brand and generate their own revenue streams to stay financially competitive.
Growing sport, lingering questions
Despite being one of the fastest-growing sports globally, MMA continues to face scrutiny over fighter pay. While White has assured that earnings will improve following the UFC’s new broadcast deal, many fighters remain unconvinced.
As performances at events like UFC London continue to entertain fans, the conversation around fair compensation appears far from over.
Discussion about this post