Former UFC bantamweight champion Sean O’Malley addressed athlete pay during a recent podcast, saying the UFC needs to do more for most of its roster while acknowledging his own situation is comfortable.
O’Malley was direct about the financial realities facing most UFC stars. “Very few people actually make money competing,” he said, adding that even a six-figure income is not enough for most. “If you make $100,000 a year, that’s not even sustainable for a family.”
He went further, making clear that athletes without bonuses and without a spot near the top of the rankings are not on a path to financial freedom.
“If you’re wanting to become rich, you got to be top 10 UFC,” he said. For those who fall short of that mark, he added, “Or not compete in the UFC and try to figure something out.”
O’Malley used the bonus structure as a reference point for what he believes the organization could do better. While acknowledging the recent increase from $50,000 to $100,000 performance bonuses, he felt the UFC could push further.
“I feel like they should make it a mil,” O’Malley’s co-host said. “Make it a mil and watch what people do.”
On his own pay, O’Malley was candid. He said he did not get everything he wanted in negotiations but reached a reasonable place.
“I didn’t get what I want. I got more than what they originally offered. It’s like I’m met in the middleish.” Despite that, his concern for most athletes remained clear. “I’m happy, man.”
He also touched on Conor McGregor’s pay heading into his 170 lbs (77.1 kg) match against Max Holloway, noting McGregor’s comments on a recent podcast suggested the money was not exactly what he had hoped for.
“It sounded like he wasn’t ecstatic about what he made, but they met in the middle is what he said,” O’Malley’s co-host stated.
O’Malley was also transparent about his own motivation to return to the octagon soon. “I need to compete again. Pay my APS bill. It’s summer and I got seven air conditioners.”
For all that, O’Malley stopped short of any serious personal grievance. “For me in my position, I feel like I’m chilling. I like competing,” he said. “I get a great platform and life’s good. Can’t complain.”
