A fighter’s pay depends on more than just their performance; it depends on how popular they are among the fans. After all, the fight business is show business at the end of the day. Your pay is directly proportional to the eyes you attract. And in this regard, not all fighters are created equal.

Some fighters are simply more popular than others, and that popularity isn’t solely based on their in-ring skills. Fighters like Conor McGregor and Chael Sonnen have made a name for themselves with their microphone skills. Others, like Jorge Masvidal, had a special moment that turned them into overnight stars. In the case of Brock Lesnar, it was his massive following from his time as a professional wrestler. This is something his contemporary, Tim Sylvia, recalls as the reason why UFC preferred the ‘Beast Incarnate’ over him.

Tim Sylvia reflects on the favoritism Brock Lesnar received from UFC

For those who have been following the sport of MMA for a while, Tim Sylvia wouldn’t be a stranger. The former heavyweight champion made a name for himself after winning the heavyweight title twice during his short run in the UFC. However, unlike many champions, the fighter was shown the gates shortly after losing his title. In a recent interview, the former heavyweight champion joined Submission Radio to discuss his career and a multitude of other topics.

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Amidst the conversation, Sylvia opened up about the exploitation he experienced during his time in the UFC. According to him, he was severely underpaid for his UFC appearances. ‘The Maine-iac’ further discussed his failed negotiations with the promotion. He explained how the UFC refused his demand for more money or a share in the PPV buys. But the tipping point was reached when Brock Lesnar entered the promotion.

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Despite being a rookie in the sport, the ‘Beast Incarnate’ was paid much more than the veterans. Sylvia recalls questioning this discrimination, which, according to UFC officials, was due to Lesnar’s fame as a WWE star. In response, the Iowa resident proposed a fight between him and the former NCAA wrestler but was denied and subsequently released from the company. In Tim Sylvia’s own words:

“We went through rough contract negotiations, and I asked for more money, and they wouldn’t give it to me. I asked about the pay-per-view buys, but they wouldn’t give it to me, and I was basically plateaued at 100 to 100, no pay-per-view buys. And we find out Brock Lesnar comes in with one fight under his belt, and he’s making, they gave him 350 and 350.”

A failed comeback to the UFC due to a last-minute change in plans

Further in the interview, Tim Sylvia also revealed his failed comeback to the promotion sometime in 2011. According to him, the now-defunct promotion Strikeforce approached him with a two-fight contract. One fight would be at the promotion itself, and the other would be at the UFC, with Daniel Cormier as his first opponent.

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This came after the UFC purchased Strikeforce. However, according to Sylvia, his promotional comeback failed after Dana White changed his mind at the last moment. The American describes this as the ‘biggest crushing point’ of his career. While fighter’s pay is still a question mark for the UFC, Tim Sylvia’s interview provides historical insight into this. Apart from a select few, maybe the UFC hasn’t been the best place for making money.