The debate surrounding fighter compensation in the UFC continues to intensify, with rising star Arman Tsarukyan now weighing in on the contentious issue. Many athletes and seasoned veterans have openly criticized the promotion for what they consider insufficient pay, especially given the UFC’s massive financial success.
The UFC secured a landmark seven-year, $7.7 billion media rights agreement with Paramount. However, fighters like Justin Gaethje and Colby Covington have revealed that despite this colossal deal, their earnings remain low, often tied to older contract terms. Earlier, Jon Jones also accused Dana White and the UFC management of undervaluing him, leading to his withdrawal from a planned event. Ronda Rousey has similarly highlighted the struggles of many UFC fighters, pointing out that a significant number need supplementary jobs to make ends meet due to inadequate fight purses.
Colby Covington suggests that the lack of unified action among fighters for better pay stems from the contentment of top champions and established stars with their lucrative contracts, while emerging contenders, lower-ranked fighters, and newcomers bear the brunt of the current pay structure.
Arman Tsarukyan Advocates for Higher UFC Fighter Pay
In a recent discussion with boxer Ryan Garcia, Arman Tsarukyan drew a parallel between UFC and boxing earnings, asserting that mixed martial artists deserve more substantial paydays. He noted a peculiar dynamic: while highly renowned boxers command significantly larger purses than even UFC champions, lesser-known UFC fighters (e.g., those in the top 10-12 rankings) often earn more than their rising counterparts in boxing. Tsarukyan emphasized that in boxing, only the elite names truly benefit financially.
“Of course, MMA fighters gotta be paid more. Medium fighters get paid more than most boxers. For example, stars like you get paid maybe five times more than a UFC champion. But if there is a medium fighter who’s top-10 or top-12, he/she gets paid more than boxing guys. In boxing, only the big names get paid.”
The Armenian fighter also shared an optimistic perspective, stating that the new Paramount deal has already led to increased compensation for himself and other UFC athletes. “They already started paying more because of the new Paramount deal. Now they are changing all deals [contracts]. Guys are getting more money, and even me,” Tsarukyan commented, indicating a shift in contract negotiations. He highlighted that champions who previously earned around $2 million are now seeing purses of $4 million.
“The [champs] who got paid $2 million are now getting paid $4 million. But still, it’s not the same money as boxing. I think in 3-4 years it’s gonna change. It cannot stay like this. If you’re a UFC champion and you defend your title, you gotta make $10 million at least.”
Despite these improvements, Tsarukyan believes significant change is still a few years away. He firmly believes that a UFC champion defending their title should realistically earn at least $10 million per fight. Tsarukyan further explained the necessity for higher pay, noting that fighters must cover the expenses of their coaches, training teams, and other support staff after each bout, making smaller purses unsustainable.
UFC President Dana White has previously indicated that all personnel on the UFC payroll are set to receive pay increases in the future, suggesting a positive trajectory for compensation within the sport.
