Poll: Do UFC Fighters Deserve Better Pay And Conditions?
The battle for better pay and conditions in the UFC has really only just begun. The recent news that a huge lawsuit against Zuffa was on the horizon had the MMA world waiting and pondering on who was behind the class action case. Then, somewhat not surprisingly, was the news that Jon Fitch, Nate Quarry and Cung Le were involved in the case.
The debate about fighter pay and treatment has raged on for years, and it is perhaps surprising to see the lack of support for an improvement among fans and online forums. Check out this video by Cainthebull, pointed out by LK member Space Jam, it may be dated, but it certainly illuminates the points that the lawsuit is trying to put out there:
Even at the lower levels of the promotion, fighters should not be losing money to make the UFC money. I was somewhat moved by the above video, and it strengthens accusations made by ex-Pride and UFC legend Wanderlei Silva, former heavyweight & light-heavyweight champ Randy Couture and so many others.
As a promoter, White is excellent at his job, but maybe as an employer he is falling short. There is no legislation or federal law to suggest that fighters should have any sort of set wage, so obviously there is no incentive for Zuffa to ever think about doing it.
The fight game is harsh and unforgiving, as I’ve said before, but should it mean countless failed athletes retiring because of poor pay and conditions? On the flip side, how does the promotion expect to build legends of the sport when most fighters are doomed from the start?
So, do you think UFC fighters deserve better pay and conditions?
