“Moved the Line Single-Handedly”- Daniel Cormier Praises Conor McGregor’s Impact on UFC Fighter Pay
UFC is undoubtedly the biggest MMA promotion in the world, attracting elite fighters globally seeking championships, recognition, and financial opportunities. The organization has offered unmatched exposure, allowing athletes from diverse backgrounds to compete against world-class opponents.
Despite its dominance, UFC has long faced criticism regarding fighter pay, with many athletes claiming their earnings fail matching risks. Several veterans have publicly criticized the promotion, alleging unfair compensation, limited negotiating power, and inadequate financial rewards.
Former champions and established stars have repeatedly discussed feeling undervalued, arguing the company’s growing revenues were not fairly shared among fighters. In a recent interview, Daniel Cormier explained that fighter earnings significantly improved after Conor McGregor‘s arrival, whose massive popularity transformed pay expectations and commercial opportunities.
“When I started fighting, if a person made 100 grand a fight, it was BIG money. You get six figures, it was big money. But when Conor McGregor came, that was when things changed. When Conor McGregor came, bro, I was so jealous too, because he was so popular. I didn’t realize because he came and moved the line single-handedly. If you were a champion in the UFC, you made a million dollars,” said Daniel Cormier via In the Bayou Pod.
Conor McGregor is the highest-grossing fighter in MMA history and was making 10-12 million per fight and brought several new fans. According to Cormier, this prompted other fighters to ask for higher compensation from the UFC.
Apart from UFC, McGregor also participated in a crossover boxing match against Floyd Mayweather back in 2017. Despite losing the fight, the ‘Notorious’ took home $100 million.
However, according to McGregor, all that money and fame affected his discipline, which ultimately resulted in him losing consecutive fights. In his recent comeback, McGregor busted his knee, and now fans are unsure about his future in the UFC.
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UFC veteran talks about Conor McGregor’s comeback fight
Conor McGregor fought Max Holloway last month after a five-year hiatus, which ended badly for the veteran. Following the injury, the Irishman has shared positive news about his surgery and recovery.
However, according to UFC veteran Chael Sonnen, McGregor isn’t chasing a realistic departure from the UFC. “Every fighter goes out embarrassed and on their back. Every fighter in history who isn’t named Khabib or GSP goes out the same way, wishing they had one more,” said Sonnen via his Youtube.
It is the fifth surgery for McGregor throughout his professional MMA career, and many fans are doubtful about his fighting ability. Nevertheless, it would be interesting to see whether the ‘Mystic Mac’ bounces back from this next year.
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