MMA News: UFC COO Slams Jake Paul Over Fighter Pay Saga

The UFC believes that the recent buzz about fighters being underpaid was triggered by a number of external factors.

As mixed martial arts (MMA) evolved into a mainstream sport, the UFC grew to become one of the top-tier promotions that have the highest market share in the industry.

However, more and more fighters complained about their salary over time with recent reports claiming the UFC only pays 16% of revenue to its athletes.

Lifting the lid on the subject, Lawrence Epstein--the chief operating officer of the UFC--said the issue about fighter pay stemmed from “three primary factors”—“Jake Paul’s focus on the issue, fighters going public with contract negotiations to gain public backing they can leverage in the talks, and broader societal shifts in America where workers are demanding higher salaries.”

“Some of the stuff is completely disingenuous,” Epstein told Sports Business Journal of the uproar over fighter pay. “With Jake Paul, he profits from the attention economy where the more attention you get, the more money you get."

In an interview with Sports Business Journal last month, Paul--who has been actively bugging the UFC to provide health care and raise fighters’ salaries--shared his stance on the matter.

According to “The Problem Child,” he’s even more driven to continue the fight.

Paul is also urging UFC fighters who share the same sentiment to step up and join him as well.

“More encouraged, but encouragement isn’t what’s driving this,” Paul pointed out. “This is about actual change, and we know we’re shaking down the tree and the steps we’re taking.”

“We’re encouraging other MMA fighters and people in UFC such as Francis [Ngannou] to speak out about these topics like health care, so a revolution has started and it’s one small step at a time,” he continued.

Paul recently criticized the boxing skills of former two-division UFC champion Conor McGregor on social media.

After the YouTuber got a response from McGregor, he turned to UFC president Dana White and made a stunning offer.

As per Paul, he wants the UFC to grant him a one-fight deal to face McGregor.

Should he win, he’ll donate his “entire purse” to all UFC fighters earning less than “$50k.”

Paul also claimed that if he loses, he’ll stay away from the UFC for good.

"Dana, since you like me now, how about a one-fight UFC deal to fight Conor,” he tweeted. “If I win, you agree to my UFC fighter pay and healthcare proposal. If I lose, I donate my entire purse to all UFC fighters who make less than $50K a fight and never mention UFC again. Deal?"