Fighter pay is a critical topic in the UFC. Over the years, one of the biggest MMA ventures in the world has faced a backlash from many UFC fighters regarding their paycheck. Most recent being the former light heavyweight Jon Jones and UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou.
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However, is it a huge problem for the company to pay more than the current salary of a UFC fighter? Well, the answer is quite shocking. 2021 was the most financially successful year for the company in its 28-year history.
According to the reports made by SEC filings in 2021, the Endeavor CEO and UFC owner Ari Emanuel bagged over $308M. However, the amount is subject to change. As Emanuel also has stocks in the company, which will bring him more payout.
Endeavor heads and UFC owners Ari Emanuel, Patrick Whitesell had $308M and $123M pay packages for 2021 (@antontabuena) https://t.co/2WOjhW7SYw
— Bloody Elbow (@BloodyElbow) April 1, 2022
Meanwhile, Endeavor executives also bagged a huge payout in the financial year 2021. As per Bloody Elbow, the Executive chairman Patrick Whitesell’s compensation was over $123 million, while Endeavor President Mark Shapiro had $42 million. CFO Jason Lublin had $18 million, and Chief Communication Officer Christian Muirhead got $12 million.
Apparently, Emanuel’s pay alone is over $100 million of what the company paid its 600 fighters last year. Meanwhile, Whitesell’s and the two UFC owners’ estimated payout of $431 million is double what UFC paid every fighter in 2021.
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UFC fans shockingly react to Endeavor executives’ pay-out
While the company and fighters argue over the pay-out, fans have their own perspective on it. Some agree with the company’s pay structure. Meanwhile, many have slammed the company several times for paying less to their fighters.
Recently, the famous MMA news website, Bloody Elbow made a report on the Endeavor executives’ packages for the year 2021, which revealed shocking numbers. And here’s how the fans reacted to it.
One fan branded the company’s system as slavery and wrote, “Modern day slavery” in the comments.
Another fan uploaded a screenshot of the report and highlighted a section, where it shows how the executives are paid double what fighters earn.
— Beer League Pigeon (@KrownCity) April 1, 2022
One user just posted a crying emoji in the comments section.
Are the reports shocking for you as well? What is your take on the fighter pay issue in UFC? Let us know in the comments section below.
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