Jorge Masvidal has voiced his opinion on the UFC’s compensation system, suggesting that changes are necessary for fighters positioned within the top 10 to 15 rankings. He finds the pay for new entrants to be acceptable.
Masvidal: Entry-Level UFC Pay is Acceptable, Mid-Tier Fighters are Undervalued
Masvidal noted that he doesn’t object to the compensation for fighters just entering the promotion, especially those who have built a strong record against less challenging opponents. He believes that a fighter with a perfect record against weak competition shouldn’t immediately command top-tier pay; rather, fighters should earn higher salaries by facing tougher adversaries.
“We do need a dramatic change in the top 10-15. When you’re in the beginning I don’t have a problem with it because if you have a 6-0 guy but he’s fought nothing but cans, you can’t give out the bag”
He commended the UFC’s starting pay for beginners, which he stated ranges from $10,000 to $12,000 for a win. This figure, he noted, is more than what regional promotions typically offer. Participants in the Contender Series and The Ultimate Fighter (TUF) begin with a flat rate of approximately $10,000. The real financial strain, according to Masvidal, falls on mid-tier fighters. Those in this upper echelon, who have been with the promotion for years, might earn between $80,000 and $250,000 per fight. Masvidal argued that fighters within the top 15 should earn enough to cover their living expenses without needing supplementary employment, such as retail jobs.
The UFC categorizes fighter pay into low, medium, and high tiers. New fighters start at the bottom with $10,000-$30,000 per bout, while established stars and champions can earn from $500,000 to $3 million. The promotion allocates only 16-20% of its revenue to fighters, a stark contrast to the 50% shared in the NBA and NFL.
Masvidal retired from professional MMA after a loss to Gilbert Burns in 2023, concluding his career with a record of 35-17. He now manages Gamebred FC, which reportedly paid out nearly $3 million across its initial four events. Masvidal’s current stance aligns with previous calls for improved compensation for top-ranked fighters. The debate surrounding fighter pay continues amidst the UFC’s financial success. Events such as UFC 326 highlighted these disparities, with the lowest earner receiving $16,000 while the main event fighters earned significantly more. Masvidal views the entry-level pay as a reasonable starting point and believes the mid-tier compensation is where the significant improvements are needed.