Max Holloway believes UFC fighters are doing themselves no favors in terms of getting what they’re worth.
Fighter pay in MMA has been a hot topic for several years. At the center of this argument is UFC, a company that scored a 7-year, $7.7 billion deal with Paramount. Recently, Zuffa Boxing acquired Conor Benn for one fight worth $15 million. It’s led to some top UFC stars such as Sean O’Malley questioning why he hasn’t made a payday as big as that despite his popularity.
Holloway appeared in a video on Demetrious Johnson’s YouTube channel, and he discussed the topic of fighter pay. “Blessed” thinks fighters have long been doing themselves a disservice, and he mentioned one particular instance involving Derrick Lewis (via MMAJunkie).
“One time that will always stick out to my mind was when – I love Derrick Lewis, he’s the man, but when Jon Jones said, ‘I’ll fight Francis, give me $10 million,’ or whatever it was, and the UFC said, ‘Hell no, we’re not paying you that,’” Holloway said.
“Derrick Lewis I believe was ranked at the time and he said, ‘What? Jon is doing this for 10, Give me a mil and I’ll fight Francis now.’ We cannot be doing that, brother. You needed to be almost stand in Jon’s corner, and be like, ‘Yeah Jon, you deserve $10 million, go get that 10.’ Because guess what, if he’s fighting for ten, your base pay probably comes up too. I hope that these new fighters coming in, just know your worth.”
Holloway has long had a solid relationship with UFC. “Blessed” has been booked in numerous high-profile bouts throughout his fighting career, and there are no signs of him slowing down. He will be putting the BMF Championship at stake against Charles Oliveira in the main event of UFC 326 on Saturday.
Do you think UFC fighters are to blame for not getting higher pay? Sound off in the comments below.