UFC Fighters Complain About Pay Levels Compared to Boxing

^{Pictured: Nathaniel Wood and Michael Page}

UFC fighters have raised concerns over comparatively low pay levels in mixed martial arts relative to professional boxing, BBC Sport reported.

The criticism follows reports that British boxer Conor Benn signed a deal worth around $14.8 million for a single bout with Zuffa Boxing, a company linked to UFC president Dana White. This figure has prompted questions about disparities in fighter compensation.

British fighter Nathaniel Wood remarked that over his eight years in the UFC, his earnings do not amount to even a fraction of Benn’s reported purse.

Michael Page expressed a similar view, stating that despite comparable levels of risk and physical demands, compensation in MMA remains lower than in other combat sports.

UFC fighters are estimated to receive around 20% of event revenue, compared with as much as 60% in professional boxing.

Responding to the criticism, White noted that fighter pay has increased significantly since 2001. He also pointed to the UFC’s new media rights deal with Paramount, valued at $7.6 billion, adding that fighter compensation is expected to rise in the coming years.

Under the current pay structure, fighters increasingly seek additional income streams outside competition. However, UFC contracts heavily restrict appearances in other promotions, forcing athletes to focus on building personal brands and generating revenue beyond the Octagon.

Gambling Park previously reported that Conor McGregor could feature at UFC 330 in Las Vegas.