The paychecks of MMA combatants have invariably stood as a fervent subject within the realm of MMA enthusiasts. Renowned MMA journalist John Morgan has thrust this discourse into the spotlight with an innovative proposal.
In a recent tweet on X, John Morgan catapulted himself into the center of attention by asking money from the combatants’ purses for the management, which angered MMA fans.
He wrote: “Managers should absolutely get a part of negotiated purses, as well as any sponsorships they secure.
Honestly think trainers should get part of any performance bonuses.
Industry standards would be ideal so every athlete doesn’t need to negotiate these deal points blindly.”
John Morgan occupies a notable position among the foremost MMA reporters globally, standing alongside other luminaries such as Ariel Helwani and Aaron Bronsteter. However, Morgan’s suggestion was met with a barrage of criticism from fans, with sentiments ranging from astonishment to outright opposition.
One fan aptly captured their disapproval by stating, “20% is egregious. He didn’t say managers shouldn’t get paid here (though that is what he believes), your reply is arguing a different point entirely and almost makes no sense. In any other pro sport, 4-10% is the norm. 20% of purse and 20% of any bonus is asinine.”
Another said: “This take feels like a paid promotion.”
Another comment read “Yea I don’t agree especially because your not the fighter getting beat up!”
Within the landscape of combat sports journalism, numerous proficient reporters and journalists have carved their niche. Nevertheless, the consistent privilege accorded to John Morgan, wherein he often poses the first question to UFC competitors during media interactions has raised eyebrows.
Shedding light on this matter, Morgan shared his insights during an interview: “It just used to be UFC President Dana White would come to the press conference and ask ‘who had a question’ and then there would be this awkward pause as people raise their hands and PR would try to pass the mic around and get it to people.”
“There were couple of times Dana was like ‘oh what, nobody has any questions?’ It’s like well no we’re just taking a second to get the microphone.”
He went on to add: “So an old buddy of mine Dave Schaller who works for Philadelphia 76ers now, he’s like ‘hey would you mind if we just handed you the microphone ahead of times when Dana asks who’s got the first question, you’ve already got the microphone and there’s not this awkward pause?'”
“I’m like yeah, I don’t mind doing that, so it started like something very mechanical like that now it’s just become kinda tradition at this point I guess.”