Sean Strickland criticizes UFC fighter pay as 'predatory'
ESPN • • sports
Key Points:
- Former UFC middleweight champion Sean Strickland criticized the UFC's pay structure as "predatory," arguing that fighter compensation is unfair compared to other sports.
- Strickland downplayed the UFC's recent increase in fight night bonuses from $50,000 to $100,000, emphasizing that overall athlete pay remains disproportionately low relative to the company's profits.
- He highlighted the absence of a collective bargaining agreement in the UFC, noting that fighters negotiate contracts individually, with past antitrust lawsuits alleging the UFC limits fighter pay to 13%-20% of revenue.
- Strickland warned that inadequate pay could lead to a decline in American MMA talent, as fighters who refuse low offers are replaced by others willing to accept less money.
