Jorge Masvidal sat down with Double Coverage podcast host Mystic Zack to discuss the differences between UFC and boxing pay structures, and why he feels the current compensation model fails elite athletes.
The former BMF champion did not hold back when addressing the financial disparity between mixed martial arts and boxing, drawing from his own experience selling 1.3 million pay-per-views against Kamaru Usman on five days notice.
“In boxing, the two main event guys are going to split about 60% depending on who’s the A side, the B side, contract negotiations,” Masvidal explained. “If they were to get the numbers that we get in the UFC like 1 million pay-per-views, 1.3 million pay-per-views, they just made a boatload of money.”
For context, Masvidal estimates that his record-breaking Usman match would have netted him roughly $20-25 million in boxing. The reality under UFC’s structure fell far short of that figure, though he acknowledged the promotion compensated him fairly given the circumstances.
“I sold 1.3 million pay-per-views against Usman on 5 days notice. In boxing, that’s like 25Ms coming back my way, could be more depending on who’s A side, but at least minimum 20Ms coming back my way,” the UFC star said. “I didn’t get 20Ms from the UFC, but they took care of me. It was a good deal.”
The deal was particularly favorable because of the unique situation. With only five days to prepare, Masvidal had leverage other athletes rarely possess.
“The reason why the deal was also so sweet, it was 5 days notice. They didn’t have nobody else at the time. I was the number one contender,” he noted.
Masvidal contrasts the UFC model with boxing’s top-heavy structure, noting that while UFC champions may earn less than boxing champions, the organization provides better support for developing and mid-tier athletes.
“The UFC does very well is they take care of you in the up and coming and when you’re in the middle. So it’s easier to get these guys when you’re on the regional side competing for $1,000 to show, $1,000 to win and the UFC signs you for 10 and 10.”
However, Masvidal believes top-tier athletes deserve a larger percentage of the revenue they generate.
He stated, “The top guys like myself, I’ve always felt like there’s a big disparity. I don’t like it at all. I’ve always voiced my opinion because I’ve always wanted just more of what I bring in. I don’t need more upfront money. I just need a bigger percentage of the money that I bring in.”
The athlete revealed that compensation disputes nearly derailed his title shot against Usman. Seven weeks before the original date, negotiations between Masvidal and the UFC reached an impasse.
“We’re seven weeks away, me and UFC come to a halt on the negotiations. They’re not willing to give in for what I want. What I wanted at the time was more money on my pay-per-view. I knew that me and whoever I competed against were going to sell. I just wanted more money of the money that I brought in. They wouldn’t budge.”
The UFC moved forward with Gilbert Burns as the opponent, but when Burns tested positive for COVID-19 six days before the event, the promotion came calling. Masvidal seized the opportunity to secure better terms.
