In the world of combat sports, the name Dana White is synonymous with success. The president of the UFC has made headlines once again, this time with an unexpected move in the boxing world. White and his team at Zuffa Boxing have recently signed rising star Conor Benn to a lucrative $15 million deal, causing heads to turn and tongues to wag.
Benn, son of legendary British boxer Nigel Benn, is a rising star in the boxing world with an impressive record of 18-0. At just 24 years old, he has already made a name for himself in the sport and his signing with Zuffa Boxing has only added to the buzz surrounding him.
While many boxing fans and experts see this move as a major win for Benn and his promising future, the same cannot be said for UFC fighters. In fact, one British UFC fighter has gone as far as delivering a risky take against the promotion in light of this deal.
Former UFC Champion Michael Bisping, who hails from the UK just like Benn, recently voiced his thoughts on the matter. In an interview with EssentiallySports, Bisping expressed his disappointment and frustration with the drastic difference in pay between UFC fighters and boxers.
Bisping, who retired from the sport in 2018, was known for his outspoken nature and never shied away from calling out the UFC on their treatment of their fighters. In his interview, he stated, “It’s great to see Conor Benn getting a big payday, but it’s also a reminder of how much UFC fighters are being underpaid.”
This is not the first time that Bisping has raised concerns about fighter pay in the UFC. He has been a vocal advocate for better pay for fighters, considering the immense risks they take every time they step into the octagon.
The issue of fighter pay has been a long-standing debate in the UFC, with many fighters speaking out against the promotion’s reluctance to increase their pay. The UFC’s revenue has been steadily increasing over the years, but the fighters’ pay has not seen a significant change.
Bisping’s comments have sparked a conversation among fans and fighters, with many echoing his sentiments and calling for better treatment of UFC fighters. This move by Zuffa Boxing and the amount of money being offered to Benn have only highlighted the stark difference in pay between UFC fighters and boxers.
It is no secret that boxing is a more lucrative sport than MMA, with boxers often earning millions of dollars per fight. However, this stark contrast in pay cannot be ignored, especially when UFC fighters put their bodies on the line every time they enter the cage.
While it is understandable that certain factors, such as popularity and PPV buys, play a role in determining a fighter’s pay, it is concerning to see such a significant difference in pay between athletes in the same industry. UFC fighters train just as hard, if not harder, and put on just as much of a show for the fans as boxers do.
Bisping’s comments have once again put the spotlight on this issue and hopefully, it will encourage the UFC to re-evaluate their compensation structure for their fighters. After all, it is the fighters who put on the show and entertain the fans, and they deserve to be fairly compensated for their hard work and sacrifices.
In conclusion, while the signing of Conor Benn to Zuffa Boxing is a major win for the young boxer, it has also brought to light the ongoing issue of fighter pay in the UFC. It is time for the promotion to address this issue and ensure that their fighters are receiving the compensation they deserve for their dedication and hard work. With the support of fans and fellow fighters like Michael Bisping, hopefully, we will see a positive change in the near future.
