UFC, The Ultimate Fighting Championship is the world’s biggest MMA promotion. The organization was started back in 1993 and has been hosting MMA fights across multiple weight divisions.

The promotion has two types of events, Fight Night and pay-per-views. Apart from this, they also have a reality show called The Ultimate Fighter which pays fighters a stipend each week during filming and gives them an opportunity to win a six-figure contract with the promotion afterwards.

While there are hundreds of fighters on the UFC roster, there are some who showcase extravagant lifestyles and leave fans wondering about their pay. It is worth noting that fighters are not paid equally and there are various factors that come into play.

That said, let’s take a deeper look into how the compensation for UFC fighters works.

How are UFC fighters paid?

UFC fighters are often signed to a contract. The terms of the contract are different for everyone. While the base-level contracts range from $10,000-$20,000, the fighters are given a percentage to fight and a percentage if they win the fight. As they secure some victories in the company, they are offered revised contracts which often range between $80,000-$250,000.

Apart from this, fighters who have managed to gain traction online and become popular figures are paid a fixed amount regardless of the result of the fight. Fighters who headline a pay-per-view card are also given a percentage of the pay-per-view sales.

Why is the base level pay so low?

As mentioned earlier, the pay for fighters depends on various factors. The base level pay for fighters is so low because fighters that sign the base level contracts are mostly those who are comparatively new to the MMA careers.

As a result, they are yet to make a name for themselves and do not bring in a lot of attention like the fighters who are popular amongst fans. As the fighter manages to move up the ranks, their pay also increases.

How much money can a top fighter make in the UFC?

Fighters who have established their names in the sport and bring in a lot of eyeballs are paid handsomely. Former fighters like George St-Pierre, Khabib Nurmagomedov, Anderson Silva, and Alistair Overeem all were paid in million for each of their fights.

When we speak about someone like Conor McGregor, he is undoubtedly the highest-paid fighter in the UFC. While he has not competed inside the octagon for quite some time, he has been earning way over $5 million for each of his fights since 2018.

Apart from these few names, any fighter who has a decent record and has the ability to bring in fans can easily make a minimum of six figures from each of their fights.

Should UFC change its compensation system?

UFC fighter pay has been a topic of discussion for quite some time. The promotion has faced a lot of criticism for their pay scale and many suggest that the UFC take advantage of their fighters. However, it is important to understand the business aspect as well.

The promotion seemingly gives all fighters an opportunity to make a name for themselves and move up the ranks when it comes to their compensation. The bigger the name of a fighter would be, the higher his pay would be. However, this doesn’t mean that the promotion shouldn’t improve their base-level contracts.

The base-level contracts barely cover the expenses incurred by the fighter in preparation for a fight. Moreover, considering the risk that they take, it should most certainly be improved.

Conclusion

A lot can be made from how the UFC pays their fighters. While it is certainly hard to make money as a fighter, the UFC offers a great door for people who are willing to grab hold of the opportunities available through social media and other avenues.

If anyone reading this is looking to make a career in MMA, you may want to consider the information above. The good news is, there are countless ways for UFC fighters to make money outside of their purse and bonuses. From merchandise sales and sponsorship deals to owning businesses there are plenty of opportunities out there for those willing to take them.

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