Twitter Reacts To UFC-Reebok Payout Structure
It’s been another crazy year so far for the UFC, and it looks to be gathering momentum from week-to-week. Last night we learned of the new payout structure for the revamped UFC-Reebok deal, and it doesn’t look great to say the least; especially not from the bottom of the scale.
With champions enjoying the lion’s share at $40,000 per fight, the $70 million deal has raised a few eyebrows in terms of fairness to the fighters. Lorenzo Fertitta was quick to defend the UFC-Reebok deal, but the question still remains at this point.
When you realize that guys like Matt Mitrione and Brendan Schaub will be going from six-figure sponsorship payouts to a mere $10K per fight, the deal starts to fall apart at the seems. So let’s take a look at what Twitter had to say about the new UFC-Reebok payout structure:
Congrats @Reebok, you got the deal of the century. Unfortunately, it was at the cost of the fighters. Hope the bad press is worth it. @ufc
— Matt Mitrione (@mattmitrione) May 6, 2015
Dear @ufc Am I to understand that for my exclusive apparel sponsorship I’ll make $2,500? I’ll pass. Thanks for the generous offer. #reebok
— Tim Kennedy (@TimKennedyMMA) May 6, 2015
New @Reebok sponsorship deal with @UFC is a joke and an insult to athletes who risk their lives. I made more 7 years ago tks to @MaryDeOli — Mark Bocek (@MarkBocek) May 7, 2015
Asked Urijah Faber for thoughts on Reebok. Basically said: “You can’t make this sport all about money.” Might be lines to read between here. — Brett Okamoto (@bokamotoESPN) May 6, 2015
Nothing will change until fighters stand up for themselves. #MMAFA #boycottreebok @Reebok
— Nathan Quarry (@NateRockQuarry) May 6, 2015
Wow 2500$ for my next fight for reebok sponsorship. ….i mad twice that off 1 sponsor my last fight!!!! Sucks!
— Roger Narvaez (@Silverback316) May 6, 2015
Good to see the ufc fighters are going to start making the big bucks off of this reebok deal :/ — Nick Newell (@NotoriousNewell) May 6, 2015
Reebok numbers are embarrassing. 2500 starting out & no outside sponsors allowed on uniform? 2500? My suits cost more than that — FrontRowBrian® (@FrontRowBrian) May 6, 2015
BOTTOM LINE: Majority of #UFC fighters now make $10K or less in Reebok sponsor $. W/ avg of 2-3 fights/yr, $20K-$30K is annual avg pay. #mma
— MMA Supremacy (@MMASupremacy) May 6, 2015
In the main event? Mark Hunt and Stipe Miocic would each pocket k in sponsors. Again, that’s for the main event. http://t.co/bmiHnREMpK
— Ben Fowlkes (@benfowlkesMMA) May 6, 2015
