UFC president Dana White continues to downplay the notion that UFC fighters aren’t paid adequately.
White has been the target of some UFC fans, pundits, and fighters for the way that his athletes are compensated for their efforts in the octagon. He has engaged in back and forth dialogue with the likes of Oscar De La Hoya, Jake Paul, and others who have criticized him.
During a recent interview with Yahoo Sports’ Kevin Iole, White doubled down on his defense of UFC fighter pay.
“Listen, when you talk about the elite, I’m putting on 44 fights in a year, right?” White said. “And people are buying these pay-per-views, you know. 13 or 14 a year, watching all the other ones building, whatever. Then, when you look at what most of these guys make, most UFC fighters make more than boxers, okay?”
“Most UFC fighters make more than boxers, especially at a lower level,” White continued. “Then, the guys, you know, the Khabib’s, the Conor’s, the Ronda’s, you know, even the Jon Jones’. These guys make more than most of these guys that are fighting for big title fights. Don’t believe the bull***t. Don’t believe all the stuff you hear. These guys make a lot of money!”
Dana White Continues To Downplay UFC Fighter Pay
White’s comments come after former UFC fighters, including Corey Anderson and Cris Cyborg, have blasted the promotion for undervaluing their fighters. Anderson went as far as to say that he’s made more through two Bellator fighters than he ever did in the UFC.
Some UFC fighters have also said that they’ve had to secure a second job on the side just to make ends meet.
The issue of UFC fighter pay continues to be a hot topic of conversation, and it could get even messier if fighters decide to eventually unionize in competition with White and the brass.
What are your thoughts on Dana White’s comments?