Do UFC fighters get just 7% of the pie? Anik and Schaub debate salary, revenue share

[Wild]

During Jon Anik and Kenny Florian's podcast, a caller asked about revenue split between the owners and fighters compared to the percentage the athletes get in the big three of the NBA, NFL, and NHL. He guessed it's around 10% or less for the UFC fighters, and cited how Rory MacDonald just made $59,000 for his title fight against Robbie Lawler.

This sparked a spirited debate. Both Florian and Anik responded and here's how the conversation went.

Florian: I want to see fighters get paid more, obviously. There's one thing that is being overlooked though. There's what's shown on the books, and there's a lot of bonuses. It's a lot of money and no one knows about it. That's one thing. Some fighters want it that way, because they don't want people knowing how much they make.

With a guy like Rory MacDonald... I can guarantee you that he was happy after that fight.

Anik: There's a good chance they cut Rory MacDonald a check for half a million dollars. There's 1 or 2 points I also want to make before we bring in B. Schaub. The percent of money that goes to the fighters, I believe it's higher than 25%. Maybe it's 30%, maybe it's 35%. But one thing that people fail to sort of inject to the conversation is that Zuffa got this company out of bankruptcy not that long ago.

It was in 2001. There has been a build up to this point is in time. Now (they're doing) 45 shows, they have 600 fighters. You have to look at where this sport is, relative to it's own history, and relative of the century long histories of these other sports... I do think we are moving into the right direction...

When their guest, Brendan Schaub joined the show, he immediate gets right into the issue.

LINK: Do UFC fighters get just 7% of the pie? Anik and Schaub debate salary, revenue share - Bloody Elbow

 

[Wild]

Regardless of what side of the debate you fall on, please keep the discussion civil. Thanks.

 

[dacofty]

All I'm gonna say is what do you expect.. 2 company guys talking about the company they are company guys for...go figure

 

[ChaosOverkill]

The bias... it burns!


But seriously yeah it's to be expected.

 

[Lukewarm Carl]

I'm inclined to believe that it's closer to Anik's 30/35% than it is to Big Brown's 7% but not by much. Regardless, I feel that it's too low. I'm not sure where that number should be because none of us know exactly how much overhead they have between the home office employees and the cost of running so many shows, the new USADA testing, etc. I'd be willing to bet that there is plenty of meat left on the bone that could, and should, go to the fighters at the end of the day.

 

[Zeph]

The problem is it just comes down to 'trust me'. Sorry, you've lost that trust by previous actions and the information that is out there. Instead of asking for trust, prove it and everyone will shut up. They can stop this argument tomorrow, but they won't, and we all know why.

 

[Emmery Myers]

30% is still being screwed badly.

According to the Las Vegas Review Journal, the UFC takes in 500 in revenue a year. At a 50/50 split like most sports leagues get, that would mean an average of 460k per year per fighter figuring 540 fighters which has been the number of fighters in the UFC for the last year. This is a crude way to do it. Another way would be to take that and divide it by the number of fights. The UFC will have 45 events this year. Assuming the average number of fights per card is 11(usually 12 but there have been some smaller cards) that is 495 fights. 250 million divided by that is 505k per fight in total purse money, split in two, 252,500 per fight.

Of course big stars would get much more and TUF China or Australia 0-2 scrubs would deserve less, but everyone would still be significantly more paid.

 

[Robbie Hart]

This statement is a good one which makes you think "hmmm, ok, I wasn't aware of that", but it's likely one guy, and he's Irish:
Florian: There are guys who are not champions, who are getting million dollar checks. That's a fact.

 

[Emmery Myers]

Joe Duffy ain't getting million dollar checks homie

 

[Robbie Hart]

Joe Duffy ain't getting million dollar checks homie

I imagine he's manipulating this by saying non champion in the form of those who aren't an undisputed or weren't an undisputed champion before they got an "interim" belt......mind you, the first interim belt awarded with 2 weeks notice......

 

[Emmery Myers]

Evans. Rampage. Faber. Frankie. Machida are some of my guesses. All former champs tho. Can we think of any never been champions who might fit the bill? Bisping?

 

[Zeph]

This statement is a good one which makes you think "hmmm, ok, I wasn't aware of that", but it's likely one guy, and he's Irish:
Florian: There are guys who are not champions, who are getting million dollar checks. That's a fact.

Well, it's not a fact. It's Florian's opinion that some checks like that are being cut, but there has been no proof. The largest one I've heard about is 300k to Shane Carwin for the Lesnar fight, which did 1.16mil buys. Boxers often make 7-8 digits headlining fights which do over 1mil buys.

 

[Jonny Quest]

I cannot fucking stand Anik. I never have and never will like that chump.

 

[Hired Gun]

Zuffa's overhead has to be ridiculous. With that said anyone who doesn't think they are making tens of millions of dollars a year. Enough profit that the brothers have used those profits to keep their casino afloat.

Some fighters are making good money but far more are not making fair market value.

 

[ECC170]

I cannot fucking stand Anik. I never have and never will like that chump.

I wonder if Anik stated the odds on his statement being bullshit?

 

[ECC170]

The fighters dont want ppl to,know how much they make? Since zuffa has a track record of doing want the fighters want lol...In other major sports we hear of contract values...Zuffa don't want other fighters to know what others make because they dont want the other ones to complain about not being compensated as well...

A lot of us may come off like all we do is bitch about zuffa bit the fact is I pay fr my ppv...I attend shows and show support to the fighters,.but Dont think I won't as a fighter myself wont voice my EDUCATED opinion..I hate thst most fighters can't live comfortably from the hard work they put in..Idc what ppl think of my opinion because in my heart I have nothing but the best interest in mind, and that's the Fighters and Fans...Dfw and The Frito brothers are set for life so in turn Im ready to see the FANS and FIGHTERS get what they deserve...and this year Zuffas on the right track in regards to letting on quality cards...now let's get the money right..

 

[Wild]

I cannot fucking stand Anik. I never have and never will like that chump.

He instantly ruins a fight card for me. I turn to Rogans Fight Companion if they have them.

 

[BispingGatekeeper4Life]

He instantly ruins a fight card for me. I turn to Rogans Fight Companion if they have them.

I personally like Anik. I met him in London and he seemed like a good dude. His commentating isn't the worst but him and Florian aren't a good pairing.

Personally I don't believe for one minute the fighters are getting 30% of the pie. You're lucky if they get 30% of the gate half the time.

 

[GJdeux]

does the ufc really pay to have an event at a place like mgm in vegas? or could that venue just sort of say sure you can have it here and then reap the rewards. I would imagine they do have a large overhead, but with the popularity I can't image it is as much as it was in the early tuf days. Not sure I believe the amount of large checks... seems like that would cut a big chunk out of their profit for the fight. I know it's talked about a lot, and I can see little bonuses, but not big ones that are not specified in contracts. but what do I know, lol

 

[Wild]

I personally like Anik. I met him in London and he seemed like a good dude. His commentating isn't the worst but him and Florian aren't a good pairing.

Personally I don't believe for one minute the fighters are getting 30% of the pie. You're lucky if they get 30% of the gate half the time.

I've heard he's a good dude. I just can't stand his emotionless, monotone commentary.

 

[Virtually Identical]

This statement is a good one which makes you think "hmmm, ok, I wasn't aware of that", but it's likely one guy, and he's Irish:
Florian: There are guys who are not champions, who are getting million dollar checks. That's a fact.

If this is the case why wouldn't they disclose it? Yeah...I know "the fighters don't want anyone to know...blah blah blah"
What's the big secret? If you were Zuffa wouldn't you want athletes to know that people are getting these million dollar checks so athletes are drawn to the sport? So the common public perception of crappy fighter pay is refuted?

 

[BispingGatekeeper4Life]

I've heard he's a good dude. I just can't stand his emotionless, monotone commentary.

He does sound awkward as well at times, he also says the same shit over and over. I prefer Goldie of course but I don't know who else they could bring in to replace Anik.

 

[Wild]

If this is the case why wouldn't they disclose it? Yeah...I know "the fighters don't want anyone to know...blah blah blah"
What's the big secret? If you were Zuffa wouldn't you want athletes to know that people are getting these million dollar checks so athletes are drawn to the sport? So the common public perception of crappy fighter pay is refuted?

If there wasn't something to hide, they would disclose pay for at least one fighter they thought would put an end to the discussion...even after they retired (GSP for example). Why don't they? Everyone can draw their own conclusions.

 

[Wild]

He does sound awkward as well at times, he also says the same shit over and over. I prefer Goldie of course but I don't know who else they could bring in to replace Anik.

Mauro!

 

[BispingGatekeeper4Life]

Mauro!

Not heard a lot of him due to being a UK'er. He was good on Strikeforce though.