For the last several years, one of the biggest topics of discussion has been the disparity in pay among the UFC fighters. The UFC CEO Dana White pays their fighters just a fraction of the humongous revenue they generate. Many fighters have openly come out and criticized the 54-year-old and demanded equal payment. One of those fighters is 32-year-old Curtis Blaydes.

‘Razor’ is scheduled to take on Tom Aspinall in the co-main event of the upcoming UFC 304 event. Blaydes is expected to earn between $350,000 and $400,000 from his upcoming fight in Manchester. However, the #4 heavyweight did have his share of trouble regarding the payment disparity with the UFC head honcho in the past.

Curtis Blaydes once took on Dana White and demanded to earn more

It was the year 2020 and the now number one contender decided to fight during quarantine. The UFC decided to become the first pro sports league to make a return during the coronavirus pandemic and ‘Razor’ accepted the challenge. Blaydes was scheduled to take on Alexander Volkov in the fight which he later went on to win via decision. However, the issue of pay disparity was stuck in his mind and he openly demanded to earn more. While speaking at the CBS Sports’ “State of Combat” podcast he said, “We do deserve more money. I’m not even trying to be greedy.” 

Blaydes then pointed out as to how some fighters from the UFC raised their voice and were helping them in the journey. Some of the big names like Jon Jones and Jorge Masvidal also took a stand against the UFC head which motivated ‘Razor’ to speak up. He further added, “We are on ESPN now. We should be able to live the lives of other professional athletes in hockey, baseball, NFL and NBA. I’m not saying we need to make $20 million a fight but top guys like Jon Jones, Jorge, McGregor and those other top guys, they should be making a minimum of $5 million per fight.” Blaydes will now be focused on his upcoming fight and will have his eyes set on the bonuses.

Talking about bonuses Dana White surprised everyone after announcing a bonus increase for the event fighters. Let us take a look at the details below.

Dana White agrees to give away fight bonuses at UFC 304

Dana White’s reputation of being stingy has slowly but surely shifted since the UFC 300 event. The 54-year-old surprised everyone when he increased the post-fight bonuses from $50,000 to a whopping $300,000. This was exactly the case during the recent UFC 304 press conference. UFC lightweight contender King Green called for a bonus increase during the press conference and said, “Uncle Dana, let’s spice it up a little bit. Can we get $100k? I’ll spice it up a little bit,”. The entire press conference supported Green’s demand with a massive roar.

White then shifted his focus to welterweight champion Leon Edwards who nodded in agreement. The 54-year-old then said, “Leon says yes,”. If we compare these amounts to the past there is a massive change in the prices. In the year 2016 UFC 200 witnessed a completely different approach from the UFC head. Before and after the event White was asked to increase the bonus similar to those given at UFC 100. White was quick to respond with a no and made it clear that the fighters were already earning well. While the debate of disparity of pay is persisting it seems we might see a change in the future.

What do you think about the whole scenario of this disparity? Do you feel the fighters should be making more? Let us know in the comments below.