In the world of combat sports, few debates are as fiery—and as controversial—as the one surrounding UFC fighter pay. With MMA stars rising in global fame and boxing veterans landing astronomical paychecks, fans and critics alike are questioning whether UFC athletes are being fairly compensated. This clash between UFC and boxing isn’t new, but in the age of viral clips, leaked contracts, and outspoken fighters like Jake Paul and Francis Ngannou, the topic has taken on new life.
What’s driving the narrative? Are UFC fighters underpaid compared to boxers, or is the truth more nuanced? This fact-check takes a deep dive into the dollars and cents, comparing the business models, contract structures, and the truth behind the viral claims.
UFC Fighters Earn Significantly Less Than Boxers
The central claim under scrutiny is simple: “UFC fighters are drastically underpaid compared to boxers.”
This claim has been amplified by high-profile names. Jake Paul, for instance, has repeatedly targeted UFC President Dana White, accusing him of exploiting fighters. Francis Ngannou, the former UFC heavyweight champion, walked away from the organization, citing lack of fair pay and contractual freedom as key issues. Even UFC fighters themselves—like Jon Jones and Jorge Masvidal—have gone public with dissatisfaction.
The claim has gone viral across social media, fueled by side-by-side comparisons of boxing and UFC purses. But how true is it?
The Economics Behind UFC Fighter Pay
To understand UFC fighter pay, we must first grasp how the UFC operates. The Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) is a privately owned organization under the parent company TKO Group Holdings, a merger of UFC and WWE under Endeavor. Unlike boxing, where fighters often have their promoters and negotiate deals on a per-fight basis, UFC signs athletes to exclusive, multi-fight contracts.
These contracts typically include:
- Base pay (show money)
- Win bonuses
- Performance bonuses (Fight of the Night, KO of the Night, etc.)
- Pay-per-view (PPV) points (only for top-tier fighters)
In contrast, boxers—especially headline fighters—earn based on purse splits, ticket sales, and PPV shares negotiated independently or through promoters like Top Rank, Golden Boy, or Premier Boxing Champions.
Boxing allows more freedom in negotiation but offers less structure. UFC centralizes control but offers consistent opportunities.
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How the UFC Fighter Pay Controversy Escalated
- 2016: UFC sold to Endeavor for $4 billion. Questions about fighter revenue share intensified.
- 2020–2021: Jon Jones and Jorge Masvidal publicly clash with Dana White over pay issues.
- 2021–2022: Jake Paul enters the scene, criticizing UFC pay structure and advocating for fighters.
- 2022: Francis Ngannou refuses UFC contract extension, citing pay and control disputes. Later joins PFL with record-setting contract.
- 2023–2024: More fighters like Nate Diaz, Ngannou, and others move to boxing or PFL, further exposing earnings differences.
- 2025: Ongoing comparisons continue, especially after Ngannou’s boxing match with Tyson Fury netted him more than multiple UFC title defenses combined.
Fact-Checking Table
| Claim | Status | Source or Proof |
|---|---|---|
| UFC fighters earn less on average than boxers | True | Forbes, Bloody Elbow, Sports Business Journal |
| Top UFC fighters earn millions through PPV bonuses | True | UFC disclosed payouts, Dana White interviews |
| Most UFC fighters make less than $100K per fight | True | Athletic.com 2023 UFC Salary Report |
| UFC pays less than 20% of revenue to fighters | True | UFC antitrust lawsuit documents, John Nash analysis |
| Boxers earn more because they negotiate individually | True | ESPN Combat Sports analysis, promoter interviews |
| UFC fighters have no sponsorship income post-Reebok deal | Partially True | UFC allows limited sponsor visibility via Venum deal but income is reduced |
| UFC pay model violates labor laws or is illegal | Unverified | Ongoing UFC antitrust lawsuit in U.S. courts |
Expert Opinion and Legal Analysis
Journalist John Nash, an authority on MMA economics, has consistently pointed out that UFC fighters receive less than 20% of total company revenue—a stark contrast to major sports leagues like the NFL or NBA, where athletes earn nearly 50%.
In an antitrust lawsuit launched against the UFC, lawyers claim the organization has created a monopoly that limits fighter freedom and suppresses wages. The lawsuit includes thousands of pages of internal documents revealing UFC’s approach to contracts and fighter control.
Jake Paul, while controversial, collaborated with labor attorneys and even filed a petition with the FTC to investigate UFC pay practices. Though not a legal authority, his advocacy sparked mainstream attention and added pressure on Dana White.
A Fight Beyond the Octagon
Public opinion is sharply divided. Many fans support fighters’ demand for better pay, especially after seeing former UFC champions switch to boxing or PFL and earn more in one fight than in their entire UFC careers.
Media outlets like ESPN, The Athletic, and Bloody Elbow have published exposés on fighter salaries, while social media routinely erupts every time fighter payouts are disclosed after a major UFC event.
On the flip side, some argue that UFC offers consistency, branding, and career opportunities unavailable in boxing, where non-headliners can struggle to secure fights or even payment.
Possible Impact or What’s Next?
The growing scrutiny of UFC fighter pay could lead to major industry changes, including:
- A potential fighter union to push for collective bargaining
- Shifts toward freer contracts like PFL’s revenue-sharing model
- Legal reform, depending on the outcome of the UFC antitrust lawsuit
- Higher negotiation power for fighters due to crossover potential into boxing
Promotions like PFL and Bellator may gain leverage by offering better financial terms, while UFC may eventually be forced to increase revenue share if public and legal pressure mounts.
The Reality Behind UFC Fighter Pay
Is the claim that UFC fighters are underpaid compared to boxers true?
Yes—but context matters. The average UFC fighter, even on a winning streak, earns significantly less than a boxer of equal fame and skill. UFC’s structure centralizes control and limits earnings through exclusive contracts and restrictive sponsorship deals. In contrast, boxing is chaotic but financially more rewarding for top athletes.
At the same time, UFC offers brand value, audience reach, and consistency that boxing often cannot. However, without reforms in pay structure or collective bargaining, discontent will likely grow—and with it, more fighters may choose freedom over fame.
The UFC fighter pay debate isn’t just about dollars. It’s about freedom, fairness, and the future of combat sports.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do UFC fighters get paid per fight?
Entry-level UFC fighters often make around $12,000 to $20,000 per fight, excluding bonuses. Top-tier stars can earn millions.
Do UFC fighters get a cut of pay-per-view (PPV) sales?
Only select fighters—usually champions or main-eventers—receive PPV points, and only after contract renegotiations.
How much did Francis Ngannou make outside UFC?
Ngannou reportedly earned over $10 million from his boxing debut with Tyson Fury—more than his entire UFC career combined.
Is there a UFC fighter union?
No official union exists, though several efforts have been made. Legal and contract structures make unionizing difficult.
Why do boxers earn more than UFC fighters?
Boxers negotiate individual contracts, maintain promoter independence, and control a higher share of event revenue.
Who decides fighter pay in the UFC?
UFC management, led by Dana White, negotiates pay through contracts that outline base salary, bonuses, and possible PPV shares.
What’s the current status of the UFC antitrust lawsuit?
As of 2025, the lawsuit is ongoing. A court ruling could impact fighter contract rights and revenue sharing practices.
Conclusion
The truth behind UFC fighter pay is both clear and complex. While the UFC offers fighters unmatched branding and global fame, it comes at the cost of financial freedom. Compared to boxing, where stars like Canelo Álvarez and Tyson Fury earn tens of millions per bout, UFC athletes are locked into contracts that often undercut their market value. Public pressure, legal scrutiny, and fighter activism are shifting the narrative. Whether this leads to meaningful reform remains uncertain—but one thing is clear: the world is watching, and the fighters deserve answers.
