Ronda Rousey has announced a significant increase in fighter compensation for the upcoming MVP event, stating that the minimum earnings for any fighter on the card will be $40,000. This announcement comes as Rousey has been vocal in her criticism of the UFC’s fighter pay model since the reveal of her super fight against Gina Carano under the MVP banner.
While new fighters entering the UFC typically earn a base of $12,000 to show and another $12,000 to win, MVP’s starting pay for its inaugural MMA event is substantially higher, reportedly four times the UFC’s entry-level compensation.
The May 16th MVP event is set to feature a star-studded lineup including Ronda Rousey, Gina Carano, Francis Ngannou, Philipe Lins, Nate Diaz, and Mike Perry. The card is structured as a triple headliner, with all six top-billed fighters expected to receive considerably larger purses.
Ronda Rousey Highlights MVP’s Minimum Fighter Payout of $40,000
According to Ronda Rousey, even fighters competing on the undercard are guaranteed a minimum of $40,000. The former UFC Hall of Famer noted that these figures are estimates, and more detailed information regarding individual fighter payouts, including bonuses, will be released after the event. During a recent press conference for her upcoming bout, Rousey stated:
“I think it’s really important that we raise the ceiling, but also that we raise the floor. And one thing that is really important in this fight is the absolute minimum that anybody will walk away with, even if they don’t have a big, long record and even if they lose, is $40K. If you fight three times in a year, that’s much more than a living wage, and that’s something the UFC cannot say.”
Rousey further expressed her hopes for the event:
“I hope that everybody sitting here is getting the biggest payday of their career… And after this event, I hope we can raise that ceiling higher and higher and higher, until it is on par with the highest-level boxers, because that is where the holy grail for us is. This is just the beginning.”
If Rousey’s claims hold true, Jake Paul’s Most Valuable Promotions is not only highlighting the UFC’s comparatively low fighter compensation but also setting a precedent for more generous athlete remuneration. This move could potentially attract a greater number of fighters to the MVP platform.
Meanwhile, despite the UFC’s recent significant deal with Paramount, which has reportedly led to increased bonuses and improved contracts for some fighters, there remains no clear indication of a higher base pay for new entrants to the promotion.
English Translation and Paraphrase:
Ronda Rousey Announces MVP’s $40K Minimum Fighter Purse, Directly Criticizes UFC’s Compensation Model
Ronda Rousey has revealed that the minimum payout for any fighter on an MVP (Most Valuable Promotions) card will be $40,000. This declaration comes as Rousey has been openly critical of the UFC’s approach to fighter compensation since the announcement of her highly anticipated super fight against Gina Carano, which will take place under the MVP banner.
The typical starting pay for new UFC fighters is reported to be $12,000 for appearing and an additional $12,000 for winning. In contrast, MVP’s baseline pay for its debut MMA event is four times that amount.
The upcoming MVP event on May 16th boasts a formidable lineup, including prominent figures such as Ronda Rousey, Gina Carano, Francis Ngannou, Philipe Lins, Nate Diaz, and Mike Perry. The card is structured as a triple main event, with all six top-billed athletes expected to earn significantly higher purses.
Rousey emphasized that even fighters on the undercard will receive a minimum of $40,000. She noted that these figures are approximations, and detailed information on individual fighter earnings and bonuses will be disclosed post-event. At a recent press conference, Rousey stated:
“I believe it’s crucial to elevate not only the ceiling but also the floor. A key aspect of this event is ensuring that the absolute minimum anyone walks away with, regardless of their record or whether they win or lose, is $40,000. Fighting three times a year at this rate provides more than a living wage, something the UFC cannot claim.”
Rousey added her aspirations for the event:
“My hope is that everyone here receives the highest payday of their career. Following this event, I aim to progressively increase this ceiling until it matches the earnings of top-tier boxers, which represents the ultimate goal for us. This is merely the beginning.”
If Ronda Rousey’s statements are accurate, Jake Paul’s Most Valuable Promotions is not only shedding light on the UFC’s modest fighter pay but also establishing a benchmark for more equitable fighter compensation. This initiative could serve as a strong incentive for fighters to align with the MVP brand.
Concurrently, despite the UFC’s substantial recent deal with Paramount, which has led to enhanced bonuses and contract improvements for some fighters, there’s still no definitive evidence of increased base pay for newer promotional talent.
