Amid a $12.1 Billion Evaluation for UFC and Constant Call-Outs for Low Fighter Pay, “Corrupted” Dana White and Co. Also Accused of Destroying the Sport of MMA

The UFC has changed the lives of those fighting and managing it. Some UFC fighters have become global superstars, such as Conor McGregor. For some, the promotion offers a platform to steer their lives toward a better standard of living, such as Themba Gorimbo, who only had $7 in his pocket. However, the fact remains the same. UFC fighters remain underpaid, and the promotion and Dana White continue breaking the sport. A recent report lifts the veil from a more chilling reality.

The Mixed Martial Arts Fighter Association (MMAFA) recently delivered a presentation at the Association of Boxing Commissions meeting, highlighting the UFC’s adverse effect on MMA. Notably, MMAFA pointed out UFC sits at the top of the richest list of combat sports promotions. But it has earned the spot after mining the fighters and corrupting the sport.

Dana White and Co. dwarf the 2500 fighters

The UFC valued itself at $12.1 billion when it acquired WWE. Further, the promotion generated $1.14 billion in revenue last year, compared to the $609 million it generated in 2015. The numbers should have helped the fighters, who are putting their bodies on the line. However, the reality is strange. While the UFC shared almost 19% of its revenue with fighters in 2015, the share fell to 13% despite doubling its profits.

Moreover, the UFC had a net profit of $387 million in 2022, which is significantly higher than any other combat sports promotion. Matchroom Boxing, one of the three largest boxing promotions, reportedly collected only $14 million. The UFC has indeed beefed up its bank account, but the fighters’ pay has instead dropped in these years. The numbers reveal the sad reality.

Fighter pay in 2022 stands at $146 million, while the same figure in 2016 hovered at $148 million. The report alarmingly also pointed out how White, Endeavour CEO Ari Emanuel, and the Fertitta brothers “have made more than all fighters in UFC history combined“. How did they pull this off?

“We own MMA”- UFC’s control of fights, fighters, and other promotions

The MMAFA pinned the blame on the art of matchmaking, which is unique to combat sports. The promotion reigned over the fighters, even pitting them against each other. One such incident listed recalled when UFC matchmaker Joe Silva asked Gray Maynard to break Roger Huerta‘s arm.

In addition, the UFC controls the rankings and even decides the title fights, which also gives them unchecked power. The same has led the UFC to monopolize MMA. Thus, the presentation accused the UFC of “masquerading” as a “sport” while it was a “reality show”. Lastly, it declared that the UFC has “corrupted sport itself”.

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Likewise, the UFC’s money pull never allowed the growth of rival promotions. It acquired and then subsequently shut down Pride, WEC, and WFA. When the UFC was about to close the StrikeForce deal, Silva wrote to White, “We Own MMA”.

What do you make of this eye-popping report by MMAFA? Let us know in the comments below.

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