Chael Sonnen Defends Dana White Over UFC’s Current Pay Model For Fighters

One of the biggest complaints from UFC over the years is regarding the promotion not paying their fighters properly. Jon Jones, in particular, has demanded he get paid a proper amount of money to compete in big fights.

This has become a longstanding debate as many people have weighed in their opinion regarding the situation. Jake Paul, in particular, has been vocal about UFC properly paying their fighters and had previously blasted Dana White over UFC not paying their fighters properly.

While speaking on his YouTube channel, UFC legend Chael Sonnen gave his opinion regarding UFC’s current pay model for their fighters. Sonnen would defend UFC paying their fighters, stating that Dana White was the one who first championed better salaries for fighters, citing his own experience.

The person who believes fighters were exploited and fighters weren’t paid enough is Dana. And they’re now trying to use the same argument that he brought forward and act as though he is doing something wrong.

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When I first fought in the UFC, the year was 2005. I was paid $2,000 to show and $2,000 to win. I could not believe how much money I had in my pocket when I got that check. $2,000 in 2005.

The minimum pay right now is $12,000. The minimum now is six times as much. I will give two tickets to anybody who shows me any company in the world that is paying six times (more) right now than what it paid 15 years ago.

If you can prove to me that they pay a minimum of six times what they paid a mere 15 years ago, I would get you two spectacular tickets to any UFC you would like to attend.

It is highly doubtful that Dana White will ever change up UFC’s current pay model for their fighters despite all the backlash he has been receiving for the past few months. Regardless, people such as Jake Paul will continue to come to the defence of UFC stars who are certainly being underpaid by the promotion.