UFC superstar Israel Adesanya is the latest big name to question Dana White on fighter pay after Conor Benn’s mega deal with Zuffa Boxing.
UFC CEO Dana White made his first big splash as the head of Zuffa Boxing in signing superstar Conor Benn to a lucrative $15 million, one-fight deal. White got the latest laugh in his ongoing feud with Matchroom Boxing’s Eddie Hearn by signing one of Hearn’s longtime staples.
Ahead of Zuffa Boxing’s next event, featuring the undefeated Jai Opetaia, the promotion’s deal with Benn has received mixed reviews from UFC fighters. UFC star Michael ‘Venom’ Page blasted White for ‘valuing people outside the sport’ more financially.
UFC fighter pay continues to be a hot-button issue in modern Mixed Martial Arts. While former UFC middleweight champion Israel Adesanya didn’t take Benn’s signing personally, he believes it shows that White’s passion for MMA might be deteriorating.
Israel Adesanya cautions Dana White after Conor Benn signs $15 million Zuffa Boxing deal
In a recent video uploaded to his FREESTYLEBENDER YouTube channel, Adesanya shared a message for White regarding UFC fighter pay after Benn’s big signing.
“Zuffa Boxing’s the next challenge he’s set his eyes on – but with that being said, don’t forget what brought you to the game,” Adesanya said.
“This is what got him to be Dana White, the UFC President. So I can see why the other fighters…do I feel jaded by it? No. I understand and know these guys are top-class boxers, best in the world at what they do. But so are we! This is the UFC, and if one guy can command that kind of money from one fight…this is what’s keeping the lights on is the UFC.
“We love ultimate fighting, not limited fighting,” Adesanya continued. “I don’t feel jaded by it, but f— it, I want $15 million for one fight too!”
Adesanya is set to return to the Octagon at UFC Seattle later this month. Meanwhile, negotiations for Benn’s Zuffa Boxing debut remain ongoing.
Do you agree with Israel Adesanya’s stance on UFC fighter pay? Let us know in the comments!