Yet another UFC fighter is adding their voice to the chorus calling for improved working conditions among the promotion’s ranks. Middleweight champion Israel Adesanya insists that UFC rookies should not need “a second or third job” to make ends meet.
Speaking to The MMA Hour after defeating Robert Whittaker a second time, and signing one of the most lucrative deals in UFC history to boot, Adesanya expressed support for those at the bottom of the UFC pecking order.
Israel Adesanya: UFC Rookies “shouldn’t have to have a second or third job”
““I’m in a good position so I can just be like, ‘Right, thanks for the cheese.’ I just feel like guys who are starting out in the UFC shouldn’t have to have a second or third job than being a fighter, shouldn’t have to worry how they’re going to pay their manager or pay for their training.
You should be able to train eight to 12 weeks, uninterrupted, have your family looked after, and still be able to fight. Because guess what?
Their training is going to make them a better fighter and you’re going to get better quality fights, and when that happens, trust me, rising tide lifts [all the ships]. Little details. It’s going to make everyone better.”
Usually, those entering the UFC for the first time receive either 10 or 12 grand to appear in a fight, with that amount doubling if they secure a victory. Many rookies hold on to part-time work in order to make ends meet as they grind their way up the UFC ranks, a far cry from other pro sports in the US where untested rookies are financially secure very early in their careers.
“I don’t think it’s my duty, but I’ve got teammates who are at that level in the UFC and I know what some of them have to go through to make ends meet.
I feel like this is the NBA of fighting or the NFL of fighting. Not just MMA, but fighting. I really think so. So I feel like we shouldn’t have to have rookies [struggling], if you will. In the NBA, the rookies, they get nice checks, they don’t have a second job. So why does Joe Blow have to have a second job or third job, or have to scrounge for payments for the next camp or whatever?
I feel like we should be on, not an even playing field, but we should be able to look after ourselves, for the guys who were just starting out, the rookies. And like I said, I don’t think it’s my duty, but if I see something that I don’t think is right, I’ll speak out about it.
And like I said, I love the UFC, I’ve always wanted to be here, but when something smells fishy, it seems like it’s not supposed to be that way. I’ll say what I have to say.” Do you think the UFC needs to pay its rookie fighters more? Let us know in the comments.
