Building on initial reactions from fighters like Max Holloway and Michael Page, Aljamain Sterling and Israel Adesanya have amplified calls for better UFC pay, spotlighting the $15 million payout to Conor Benn amid the promotion's lucrative broadcast agreement. Sterling urges unity to combat undercutting, while Adesanya demands comparable fight purses.
This story continues to unfold following Zuffa Boxing's high-profile signing of Conor Benn, who left Matchroom for a reported $15 million deal to face Regis Prograis. Earlier comments from Michael Page and Max Holloway highlighted inequities compared to UFC fighters' revenue shares of 16-20% versus boxing's higher splits.
Aljamain Sterling, a former bantamweight champion now at featherweight, detailed his frustrations on "The Ariel Helwani Show." Despite a win over Brian Ortega in August, the 36-year-old faces stalled bookings and contrasted UFC earnings with Benn's payout: "I don't think there's any UFC fighter who can ever say they got $15 million for one fight." Sterling warned against a "crab-in-a-barrel mentality" of undercutting and hopes for a UFC 327 return against Yair Rodriguez in April.
Israel Adesanya, ex-two-time middleweight champion, chimed in on YouTube: "We’re the best too! ... I want $15 million for one fight, too." He noted UFC's role in Dana White's boxing ventures while stressing fighters' value. Support rolled in from Sean O'Malley, who praised Sterling, and Michael Page, calling the deal "disheartening." Georges St-Pierre also emphasized unity over infighting.