Colby Covington did not hold back when discussing UFC compensation and the promotion’s expansion into boxing through Zuffa Boxing, expressing frustration that has been building among UFC athletes.
“Ever since they got into the boxing space with the Zuffa boxing, it just was like a big slap in the face to us UFC athletes,” Covington stated during an interview ahead of his grappling match.
Covington specifically called out the promotion’s decision to pay boxer Conor Benn a reported 15 million dollars.
“Why you going to pay this bum Connor Benn 15 million? Who the [ ] is a Connor Benn? Like, no one knows who that is. Like, he’s the nobody. And he quit in his match. He literally just went out there to take a paycheck and just quit. He didn’t even put on a good performance. He was out in like three or four rounds against Ryan Garcia who’s nothing special.”
The welterweight veteran emphasized what he sees as an unfair valuation of MMA stars compared to boxers.
“I don’t like that they’re incentivizing boxers over us UFC athletes. UFC athletes, we take the biggest risk. We’re stepping in a cage and it’s not limited brawling like boxing. We’re using elbows, we’re using knees, we’re using shins, we’re using fists, we’re using takedowns. I mean, it’s all no holds barred. It’s like a street brawl. It’s not limited competition with 12 ounce boxing gloves. We’re using 4 oz gloves and we’re going in there to end each other.”
Covington also addressed recent champion complaints about compensation, including Sean Strickland’s public statements about feeling pressured to sign a new contract.
“I don’t like it. It’s just tough,” Covington said, acknowledging the issue affecting UFC champions who feel undervalued.
When asked about his experience outside the UFC with organizations like RAF and Hype FC, Covington painted a stark contrast.
“It’s so refreshing, James, to be with a company that really values you and takes care of you and looks out for you. Chad Bronstein at RAF has been a godsend to me, man. He’s helped me out so much.”
Covington concluded his thoughts on the matter with a clear message: “I think that it’s unfair to the athletes and I get where the athletes are coming from.” His comments add to a growing chorus of UFC athletes voicing concerns about compensation as the promotion continues expanding its business ventures.
