Don’t forget that these guys have invested tens of millions of dollars into the UFC brand. They have taken huge financial risks.

Sometimes recently the UFC has paid non-contending fighters a lot too - mainly for draw or hype (see Tito Ortiz, Cro Cop). So I think they are compensating based on what they think are safe bets and fighters that could be considered franchise fighters - people they are certain they want to hold on to and not lose to other organizations. Is the pay fair - maybe not proportionally to what the UFC is now pulling in - but this is a business and they are trying to run it as best as they can to continue to make money. A good business model in my opinion is not what Affliction is doing by paying all of their fighters big money and hoping for success. The UFC already is a success and they don’t need to throw millions at their fighters right now.

Personally I love the fights and events that the UFC puts on. Everyone that is a UFC fighter seems to be ok with what they are getting paid - and there is a lot of talent flooding the sport now. There are many people training to fight professionally now and when you have a high supply of talented workers this can drive the pay down. We have all heard these arguments some say not enough some say look at their sponsors (these guys are walking nascar cars - walking billboards).

I say they get compensated well in my opinion to participate in a professional sport, and I know and I bet you know a bunch of guys who would fight for less for a chance to fight in the UFC. Lots of the fighters used to have different professional careers - you never hear about them returning to their old job because the pay was so poor. They enjoy what they do and what they get paid well to do it. With the exception of a few money hungry fighters who basically lit this fire of debate all seem ok with the cash or they would find other ways to earn their living. I have no bleeding heart for people who make thousands or millions/year to participate in professional sports.

Think about it…

Im sure he made close 1.25 Million in the last year. Thats just from fighting. Not from sponsors or anything else he’s getting a cut on. Just on his TWO fights…. Essentially 2 days of “Work”.
Yeah i realize training is a full time job. But come on… not really… It’s not like a hockey player who plays 80+ times a season… Thats why they get paid 4-5 million more…

Besides, I wouldn’t be so quick to dismiss The Tank. His two losses after that huge win were to Couture and Werdum. No slouches. He just had a good win (confidence booster) and that’s not a very deep division. Look for Dana to start getting his money’s worth and giving Gonzaga more big names.

It’s all about your contract. When these guys sign their 10 fight or however many fight contract, they are relatively unknown to the public. And they have been fighting at such small venues, anything is a step up. Dana is smart and is a buisnessman. I do however think they are underpaid. In comparison to Boxing. UFC now has much more of a fanbase boxing does i would say.

BTW, before you start in, I know all these guys get endorsements and free shoes and all the energy drinks they want. But we’re not talking about that. We are talking about fighter salary. Even with Dana’s “fat” bonus checks these guys are not getting paid what they’re worth.