Joe Duffy Unhappy With UFC Salary, Looks To Test Free Agency
The talk of UFC fighter salaries cropped up again recently in relation to Rory MacDonald. The popular UFC welterweight had fought for the promotion in 13 contests over six years, amassing a record of 9-4 under the UFC banner. After competing in a fight of the night/year against Robbie Lawler at UFC 189, ‘Red King’ would go on to lose a decision against Stephen Thompson. After leaving so much blood on the octagon canvas, MacDonald stated he was not happy with the latest contract offer by the UFC.
On August 26, 2016 the Canadian mixed martial arts prospect would sign a contract with Bellator MMA. The UFC’s biggest rival had acquired another huge name in the sport. This just six months after taking in ex-UFC lightweight champion Benson Henderson made it a good year for BMMA. Apparently also bemused by his latest contract offer, ex-middleweight champ Luke Rockhold revealed he’s toying with the idea of modelling for a living.
Joe Duffy
The latest UFC fighter to speak out about issues with his contract offer is Joe Duffy. The Irish lightweight competitor tells the42.ie that he is now ‘definitely looking’ at testing the free agency market. Currently at 16-2 and coming off a 25-second win over Mitch Clarke in July, ‘Irish Joe’ says his contract offer from the UFC makes him feel devalued.
With just one fight remaining on his contract, Duffy was hoping to fight in his native Belfast, Northern Ireland. He says the offer of both the opponent and his contract renewal are simply not on par with his needs. In the midst of all the talks of fighters unions and such, ‘Irish Joe’ is the latest of many who are starting to find their voice.
Irish Joe Says No
“Of course I’d be very disappointed to miss the Belfast card but I just feel that the fight I was offered didn’t make sense. There was no real upside to the fight for me. With it being the last fight on my contract, I feel there’s no benefit for me in taking it.”
“No, I’m not close at all [to signing a new deal]. I have been offered a new contract to sign but I don’t feel like I’m valued. The negotiation seems to be a case of take it or leave it. I’m not asking for a massive increase, just what I believe I’m worth as a professional mixed martial artist. It’s definitely looking like I will be testing free agency, but not by choice.”
“No matter who you’re fighting in the UFC, you’re up against the best in the world. Three of my opponents didn’t get out of the first round. I’ve had one decision loss against a ranked opponent and three first-round finishes, so I’m happy with how I’ve performed in the UFC.”
The Reality
The harsh reality of the modern fight game is not lost on Joe Duffy. He made ,000 for his fight against Dustin Poirier, currently it was his only loss in the UFC. Duffy’s most notable victory came over current featherweight champion Conor McGregor in a 2010 Cage Warriors contest. The Tristar trained lightweight continued:
“In this game it’s all about the right fights at the right time. I’m still on my first contract so we’re not exactly making enough money to set ourselves up for life, and in this game one injury could end your career in an instant,” explained Duffy, who earned a disclosed $20,000 for his clash with Poirier, while his opponent picked up $84,000.
“I believe there are a lot of guys in the top 10 who I match up well against and obviously my competitive side wants all top 10 guys. But the reality is that I’m not getting paid top 10 salaries and that’s where we’re at right now.”
Another promising prospect could well be on their way to Bellator in the form of Joe Duffy. Who’s next?
