Jake Paul is advocating for a substantial pay increase for emerging UFC fighters, believing that this adjustment could elevate the competitive landscape.
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Jake Paul is advocating for a substantial pay increase for emerging UFC fighters, believing that this adjustment could elevate the competitive landscape. Since transitioning from a YouTuber to a boxer, Paul has been a vocal proponent for improved fighter compensation, sparking intense verbal confrontations with UFC president Dana White.
In a recent development, White clarified that he doesn’t hold animosity towards Paul, acknowledging the accomplishments both Jake and his brother Logan Paul have achieved in the realm of combat sports.
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During his appearance on the “Hotboxin’ with Mike Tyson” podcast, Jake Paul shared his viewpoint without harboring any feelings of animosity. He explained his desire for enhanced compensation for fighters, underlining the substantial profits the company amasses yearly. A mere 15% share for the fighters, despite the company’s billions in revenue, has driven his stance. At its core, his motivation originates from advocating for augmented fighter remuneration and the establishment of enduring healthcare provisions for these athletes.
“I don’t hate him either, I just want him to pay fighters more. You know, now that the company is making billions of dollars a year, and the fighters are only getting 15 percent of it. That’s really where all of it stems from, is wanting higher fighter pay and long-term health care for the fighters.”
“Obviously, we’ve gotten into these exchanges that muddies the purpose of why I’ve argued with him. You know, he throws out the fights are rigged, he’s on steroids; then I say something back about him being bald and ugly. It gets too messy and then we start going back and forth.”
Over the years, Paul, in collaboration with his business partner Nakisa Bidarian, a former UFC chief financial officer, has brainstormed several proposals to enhance fighter compensation. However, his most recent proposal holds potential benefits specifically for emerging fighters within the UFC’s ranks.
“The fighter minimum in the UFC is $12,500. It should be at least $50,000,” Paul said. “If they made it $50,000, that would change the smaller fighters’ lives in a big, big, big way. They wouldn’t have to work other jobs, they could afford gym fees, they could afford the proper food. Right now, they’re working other jobs barely scraping by.
“If they changed the fighter minimum to $50,000, it would only cost the UFC $20 million per year. But that $20 million would be going into the smaller fighters’ pockets and it’s a world of a difference. Meanwhile, they’re making $3 billion.”
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