In the film Scarface the lead character–Tony Montana– says, “First you get money, then you get the power.” That might be true in many cases, but seems backwards in the sport of MMA. The year 2016 has seen a rise in record-setting payouts, so fighters must ask themselves an important question as their careers progress–title versus payday.
Conor McGregor brought home a record $3 million with his five round victory over Nate Diaz at UFC 202. Nate reportedly banked $2.5 million, while Anthony “Rumble” Johnson brought home $270,000, and Donald “Cowboy” Cerrone took home his biggest check to date at $170,000. One night, four fighters, almost $6 million. And no title on the line between them. When you look at UFC 200, the same rings true. Brock Lesnar, Mark Hunt, Daniel Cormier, and Anderson Silva brought home the biggest purses. Again, no titles were up for grabs.
The year 2016 has seen a rise in record-setting payouts, so fighters must ask themselves an important question as their careers progress–title versus payday.
On Fox Sports’ UFC Tonight, Georges St. Pierre was asked who he would like to fight, if and when, he returns. His reply, before saying any names, was the UFC has to make it right financially. After that he named Nick Diaz, Tyrone Woodley and Demian Maia. He wants to face big names in big fights. Who could blame him? With the increase of payouts, the fighters preferences are turning from gold to the green. Its a job, a career, and a business. These guys are gamblers of the highest-level. They risk everything and go all-in on themselves winning. Most of them are living week to week and hand to mouth just like the rest of us. Of course they want the pay day.
The shine of the belt and prestige of being the champ is there. The title is proof you have some power. Once you have that power, then it becomes time to get paid. Fighters seem to fight their way to top then get to cash-in big time. Hard ladder to the top, but the money is there waiting.
One night, four fighters, almost $6 million. And no title on the line between them.
Title fights are awesome and we all love to watch our favorites like Stephen Thompson, Sage Northcutt, and Johnson. All these warriors climbing the ranks to get the belt. We follow their careers. We all lose our voices from screaming as we watch these gladiators aim for a KO or submission victory.
With the title belt not being the only goal, we are also starting to see phenomenal catch-weight match-ups being made. Fighters are changing weight classes and rankings seem to matter a bit less.
Styles make fights and characters make fans–bottom line. We as fans are not held to only preferring champion versus number one contender, or top ranked fighters in a division battling it out. Fighters are looking for the money fight, and they are getting it. Its very exciting to see these matches and super-fights. I believe the belt is and always will be respected and sought after and it seems to be the avenue required to get to that huge payday. The belt is the power, and once you have it, then you get the money.
Main Photo:
