UFC CEO Dana White recently finalized a groundbreaking $1.1 billion-per-year television rights deal, generating significant buzz. This monumental $7.7 billion agreement with Paramount and CBS has since raised questions regarding how such substantial revenue will ultimately benefit the UFC fighters.
Prominent among the critics of UFC fighter compensation and conditions is YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul. However, in a recent interview with 60 MINUTES, White affirmed that every fighter on the UFC roster would receive a fair share of the new revenue flowing into the sport`s leading promotion.
White Addresses Fighter Compensation Concerns
The new seven-year US TV rights deal is poised to nearly double the UFC`s existing revenue. While White refrained from confirming if this would directly translate to a doubling of fighter pay, he steadfastly maintained that compensation would see an increase soon.
“I can’t specify whether it will be double, one and a half times, or triple,” White stated. “But yes, fighter pay is going to be good.”
When questioned about whether he believes UFC fighters receive fair wages, White`s response was definitive. “Absolutely,” he asserted. “Many people underestimate the earnings of a significant number of our athletes. We operate differently from most major sports leagues in numerous aspects.”
Understanding UFC Fighter Earnings
The career of Conor McGregor exemplifies the potential for immense wealth through fighting in the UFC. McGregor, a former two-division UFC champion and Forbes` highest-paid athlete in 2021, reportedly commands a net worth of $200 million.
Other notable fighters like Ronda Rousey, Jon Jones, Georges St-Pierre, and Khabib Nurmagomedov have also amassed fortunes worth tens of millions during their UFC careers. As of 2025, top-tier UFC champions, major ticket attractions, and pay-per-view headliners can command seven-figure purses for each bout.
Conversely, the entry-level fighters on a UFC fight card typically receive a base pay of just $12,000. While a win can double this amount, victory is not guaranteed when competing against the elite talent in MMA`s most competitive organization.
The exact distribution of the new revenue streams by Dana White, starting next year, remains a subject of keen interest within the MMA community.
