Conor Benn's $15M Boxing Deal Fuels UFC Pay Discussion

The issue of fighter pay within the UFC has resurfaced following reports that Zuffa Boxing offered British boxer Conor Benn a substantial $15 million deal. This reported offer has led UFC athletes to question their own earnings, particularly as the promotion embarks on a new broadcast partnership with Paramount Global. During the Zuffa Boxing 04 post-fight press conference, UFC President Dana White addressed reporters' inquiries regarding the pay disparity between boxers and UFC fighters. White stated that increasing athlete pay is beneficial for the entire sports industry and affirmed that UFC fighter salaries have seen continuous growth since the organization's inception in 2001.

Further fueling the debate, White highlighted that the UFC's recent major television rights agreement indicates a strong financial future for its fighters over the next seven years. Several UFC athletes have voiced their opinions on the matter. Former champion Max Holloway urged UFC fighters to stand together when discussing compensation, while bantamweight contender Sean O'Malley also expressed concerns about current pay structures. Former middleweight champion Israel Adesanya noted that if boxers can earn millions for a single bout, UFC athletes competing at a similar elite level should also aim for comparable financial rewards.

Mark Shapiro, however, has downplayed the rumors surrounding Benn's deal, clarifying that the boxer was only targeted for a single superfight scheduled for 2026. He also indicated that the partnership with SELA is responsible for funding the new boxing venture.