“I’d Love To Make 15 Million Dollars”.- Daniel Cormier

Daniel Cormier and former UFC welterweight Jon Fitch had a light back and forth on Twitter this morning. Fitch’s Tweet mentioned a rivalry that the MMA world is not about to forget soon.

Fitch’s Twitter is primed with hot takes. In response to Cormier’s notion that his latest one was dumb, Fitch came back with a response.

Referencing DC’s biggest rival Jon Jones and the massively popular fights that occurred between the pair, Fitch criticized DC over netting only $3 million. He believed that 15million would have been the minimum that was to be negotiated.

In this instance, Fitch’s take seems out of order. Although the trilogy may net significantly high numbers, a $15 million purse for a title challenger seems surreal.

Giving the time period that the fights occurred, money to the tune of $15 million was not even discussed.

There have been advocates for fighters receiving contracts similar to the NFL and NBA players. Historically, Jon Jones has not been the biggest draw. In comparison to Conor McGregor, Chael Sonnen, and GSP, who have had large market appeal, Jones fits a different bill.

Daniel Cormier’s Future Earning Prospects

Daniel Cormier is on record stating that he has only one fight left for him- Stipe Miocic. One would have to conclude that this payday would not compare to his previous rivalry.

DC’s focus has not been on money fights. The natural animosity between Jones and DC was a factor in building the fight. However, this has not been a trend in his career.

Fitch’s latest comment, although trivial, brought about a larger discussion. Fighter pay has always been a contested topic amongst fighters and the media.

With the sport evolving and stars netting in more money than ever perhaps, these numbers may become realistic. For now, however, they remain largely inflated and not set to rise any time soon. Especially if UFC president Dana White has anything to say about it.