This Reebok deal is already killing fighters

[Wild]

Matt Mitrione came out last week and said he's lost $30k in sponsorships: http://www.bloodyelbow.com/2015/2/2...ijuana-diaz-brothers-reebok-cocaine-jon-jones

Now James Krause is saying he's lost $20k: http://www.mmafighting.com/2015/2/2...alks-fighter-pay-says-hes-already-lost-20k-on

What irks me about this whole thing is, it's been 3-4 months since the deal was announced and the majority of the fighters say they still haven't been informed by Zuffa of what the deal entails. So basically, it's a "you'll know how deep you're getting fucked, when the deal goes into affect in July". That's a pretty sleazy way of doing business, if you ask me. I mean, I'm sure mid and lower level fighters knew they were going to take a hit...but to lose $20k-$30k in sponsors, and still not be informed of the details, or assured you will somehow recover those losses? Fuck that.

The only people getting rich off of this deal are champs of each division and the Zuffa brass. And no, I don't believe "every fucking penny" is going to the fighters. Every penny of this particular deal may be, but there will be other deals with Reebok that come from this, and I bet the fighters don't see shit from those.

 

[Jonny Quest]

The whole thing sucks. It totally steals a fighters individuality and turns them into a fucking color. I hate the whole idea. It ruins some of the fun of the sport, and takes what little control fighters had, away from them. Fuck the whole thing. I'm pretty flexible about shit too, and usually would say "see how things go." or "give it a try" , but this whole thing irks the shit out of me. I dont want to see boring fucking red vs blue shit. Whats next? Zuffa picks their song. Picks how they wear their hair. etc. Fuck em.

 

[Star-Lord]

Here's an interview I did in December on the whole deal. I guarantee you Bellator is going to get an influx of fighters and funds and it's going to make for a great competitive mma scene.

http://www.thehotspotshow.com/?p=694

 

[D241]

I know, this is real bad for fighters. That Crooklyn/Mitrione article really opened my eyes. You also highlight a big point how UFC is being so non informative on the deals. Probably for a reason, not a good one, but a reason.

 

[Morpheushasleftthebuilding]

dana has changed walk out music in the past many times.

 

[ThatOneDude]

It amazes me that the fighters still don't know a lot about the deal... Actually it doesn't, part for the course I guess.

 

[Stillmatic]

This is fucked up. I've been on the fence a lot with this. This is obvi hurting the mid and low level guys cuz now there is not Dynamic Fastener dollars coming in.
But it looks like you can get out of the cage sponsorship.
Zuffa really dropped the ball on this one.
Should've just left it like Nascar cars with the stickers all over.

 

[ECC170]

Don't worry his zuffa will not see any profits bahaha...that told me right there it was shady.

 

[Mertvaya Ruka]

Zuffa is banking on fighters not knowing what the fuck is going on to push this through. They've been told nothing of the deal, Zuffa want to put everything in place before telling the fighter how bad they're getting fucked up the ass.

Fighters are already losing money, Zuffa is fucking fighter's meager income and gives 0 fuck.

How can a deal be signed and done and those affected by it have no idea what to expect?

 

[Rico_Cutler]

Schaub has talked negatively about it as well. These guys only fight about twice a year under the UFC. Three times if they are staying busy and injury free. To find out ur getting a 60K or even 90K a year reduction in pay is crazy. The worst part is right now all their sponsors are pulling out before the Reebok deal has gone into place. I cant blame the sponsors for that either.

 

[BrattMamley]

It sucks for the fighters right now but maybe it'll get better when the Reebok deal actually kicks in. I hate seeing fighters struggle for money tho. It's depressing.

 

[BenAskrensStrikingcoach]

The whole deal is shady as fuck, high velocity horseshit.

Fuck you Zuffa, greedy hypocritical cunts.

 

[Ryann Von Doom]

Told ya'll.


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[WEWEREONABREAK]

Nobody has explained what this means for the Charlie Brennemans of the UFC, who make it, get released and then make it again. Do guys have to drop and reacquire sponsors, over and over, every time they fall off the big show and then get resigned?

 

[Ministry of Silly Walks]

i don't know how anyone could hate matt. he seems so genuine, and he's not shy to speak his mind.

 

[Team Bisping]

i don't know how anyone could hate matt. he seems so genuine, and he's not shy to speak his mind.

He does and has said some stupid shit...I think he forgets sometime when to filter things

 

[Lamont Cranston]

The whole deal is going to make Zuffa richer. They now control ALL sponsors on uniforms and take the profit.

 

[TheBigPygmy/JustinWren]

What do the fighters have to complain about? This is great for the UFC!



-SindyOh


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[Wild]

What do the fighters have to complain about? This is great for the UFC!



-SindyOh


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You better watch your back over there now, Viking. It very well could be your ass because of this very statement sir.

 

[ThatOneDude]

What do the fighters have to complain about? This is great for the UFC!



-SindyOh


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This is awesome! Tell us how you realllllly feel.

 

[Mertvaya Ruka]

What do the fighters have to complain about? This is great for the UFC!



-SindyOh


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LMFAO!

 

[TheBigPygmy/JustinWren]

I'm not worried. I love the UG, and I think you guys know that. I'm also loving here. What I don't love is a person defending every single action a person or organization ever does. I know I'm FAR from perfect, and will admit my mistakes. I'd hate someone acting like I'm perfect... I've had people call me "a saint" and "a hero" and I get two thoughts, "I'm absolutely not" and "if you only knew me..."

Dana could be convicted of murder and the UFC could literally have all the fighters as slaves underneath the arena like back in the gladiator days... And Cindy would still defend them. I've supported her in the past, I love the meet and greets, donations, and ticket give aways she gives to or gets for the fans... However, I'm worn out from her lately. Just because you do some good doesn't mean you get to defend every single action the UFC has ever made. Any humble/normal person would be able to say that every person and organization isn't blameless, but to Cindy, they have never, ever done wrong... Any complaining fighter is just stupid/selfish/whiny and has no weight or voice with her. I hear there is proof that she really exist, but I wouldn't be shocked if she was Dana's assistant, or actually Dana. Lol


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[ThatOneDude]

I'm not worried. I love the UG, and I think you guys know that. I'm also loving here. What I don't love is a person defending every single action a person or organization ever does. I know I'm FAR from perfect, and will admit my mistakes. I'd hate someone acting like I'm perfect... I've had people call me "a saint" and "a hero" and I get two thoughts, "I'm absolutely not" and "if you only knew me..."

Dana could be convicted of murder and the UFC could literally have all the fighters as slaves underneath the arena like back in the gladiator days... And Cindy would still defend them. I've supported her in the past, I love the meet and greets, donations, and ticket give aways she gives to or gets for the fans... However, I'm worn out from her lately. Just because you do some good doesn't mean you get to defend every single action the UFC has ever made. Any humble/normal person would be able to say that every person and organization isn't blameless, but to Cindy, they have never, ever done wrong... Any complaining fighter is just stupid/selfish/whiny and has no weight or voice with her. I hear there is proof that she really exist, but I wouldn't be shocked if she was Dana's assistant, or actually Dana. Lol


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Good to hear a pro share many others feelings about dana's UG mouthpiece

 

[Bluesville]

Justin you've fought for them so maybe you could clarify this for me?

One thing I've never understood is how a fighter can be "an independent contractor" but tied exclusively to the UFC for x number of fights. During which time you can't go elsewhere, however if they think you're "boring" they can get rid of you at any time.

Like now Wanderlei has retired, but he still has fights left (ban aside), so he isn't a free agent.

Employee when it suits them and independent contractor when it suits them.

Would not fly in Europe.

 

[Mertvaya Ruka]

I'm not worried. I love the UG, and I think you guys know that. I'm also loving here. What I don't love is a person defending every single action a person or organization ever does. I know I'm FAR from perfect, and will admit my mistakes. I'd hate someone acting like I'm perfect... I've had people call me "a saint" and "a hero" and I get two thoughts, "I'm absolutely not" and "if you only knew me..."

Dana could be convicted of murder and the UFC could literally have all the fighters as slaves underneath the arena like back in the gladiator days... And Cindy would still defend them. I've supported her in the past, I love the meet and greets, donations, and ticket give aways she gives to or gets for the fans... However, I'm worn out from her lately. Just because you do some good doesn't mean you get to defend every single action the UFC has ever made. Any humble/normal person would be able to say that every person and organization isn't blameless, but to Cindy, they have never, ever done wrong... Any complaining fighter is just stupid/selfish/whiny and has no weight or voice with her. I hear there is proof that she really exist, but I wouldn't be shocked if she was Dana's assistant, or actually Dana. Lol


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Yeah, and yet she claim she has no affiliations to Zuffa, which make it all the more puzzling. In the last year or so there's been a shit ton of deserved criticism of Zuffa and their practices, even the most ardent Zuffa defenders agree that there are serious issues with what they are doing. But CindyO? No way, Zuffa is beyond reproach. It's quite weird.