Sean Strickland, UFC middleweight champ, shared the harsh reality and low pay that most fighters experience in the industry, advising a parent not to support their child’s MMA dreams, before his microphone was cut off.
Sean Strickland recently provided some unfiltered advice about the realities of being an MMA fighter in the UFC. During a live broadcast, the middleweight champ set out to expose the harsh truth behind the glory. However, just as he started to delve into the subject, his microphone was abruptly cut off, leaving listeners hanging. Prior to the technical glitch, Strickland had been engaging in light-hearted banter with the host and a UFC Hall of Famer. Little did they know that the champion was about to reveal the Faustian bargain that many fighters make in their pursuit of success.
Strickland’s approach has always been to make people uncomfortable, and he began by questioning the earnings of fighters from the early days of the UFC. He brought up the paltry sum of $500 that was paid to everyone else, apart from tournament winners who received $50,000. This ignited a passionate exposition from Strickland, as he detailed the financial struggles that most fighters face. He explained that even in today’s UFC, the fighters on Dana White’s Contender Series earn just five and five, meaning $5,000 if they lose and $10,000 if they win. If they eventually make it to the UFC, they may sign a contract for just $10,000 to show and $10,000 to win, after a lifetime dedicated to the sport.
Strickland emphasized that the path of an MMA fighter is a risky and uncertain one. Even if they achieve the coveted blue check mark and secure a place in the UFC, their success is never guaranteed. If they go 2-2 and the fights are lackluster, the UFC can swiftly cut them from their roster. The result? A career that may have spanned years, but only earned them a meager $60,000. This forces many fighters, in their mid-20s, to confront a harsh reality – their dream career has left them with little to fall back on. Strickland pointed out that they often have no option but to teach cardio kickboxing or pursue other non-fighting opportunities.
The undisguised truth bombs dropped by Strickland expose the harsh reality of the industry. In his live interview, he boldly claimed that he had sold his soul for the UFC logo, while acknowledging that he had also personally benefited financially from his success. By sharing these candid insights, Strickland aims to shed light on the financial struggles faced by many fighters and draw attention to the issue of low pay in the sport. His message extends beyond just the UFC, highlighting a systemic problem in American industries and urging for change.
(Note: The information regarding the UFC’s response or lack thereof was not included, as specified in the instructions.)