Max Holloway Advocates for UFC Fighter Pay Reform Amid Zuffa Boxing's $15 Million Deal

Max Holloway, a prominent UFC fighter and current holder of the “BMF” title, has expressed concerns regarding fighter compensation in light of Zuffa Boxing's reported $15 million purse for Conor Benn's upcoming match against Regis Prograis on April 26. Holloway, who is set to headline UFC 326 against Charles Oliveira, described the figure as "crazy" and emphasized that UFC fighters should advocate for better pay, especially following the UFC's lucrative $7.7 billion deal with Paramount to air events over the next seven years.

Max Holloway urges UFC fighters ‘know your worth’ after Zuffa Boxing’s reported $15 million purse for Conor BennMax Holloway disappointed in UFC fighters over pay debate: “Know your worth”Sports IllustratedUFC owners address fighter pay concerns after kicking off $7.7 billion deal with Paramount: ‘We take that very seriously’

In a discussion with former UFC champion Demetrious Johnson, Holloway urged fighters to unite and support one another in their pursuit of fair compensation. He criticized the competitive mindset that leads fighters to undercut each other's worth, citing an example involving Jon Jones and Derrick Lewis. Holloway noted that when Jones sought $10 million for a fight, Lewis's willingness to accept a significantly lower amount undermined the potential for higher pay across the board. He stated, “We cannot be doing that, brother. You need to be like ‘Yeah, Jon.’ You need to almost stand in Jon’s corner and be like ‘Yeah, Jon, you deserve 10, go get that 10.’”

Max Holloway disappointed in UFC fighters over pay debate: “Know your worth”

The UFC has made some adjustments to fighter compensation, including raising post-fight performance bonuses from $50,000 to $100,000 and introducing a new $25,000 bonus for finishes, effective January 2026. However, Holloway believes that these changes are insufficient and that fighters must recognize their value. He stated, “Know your worth, know what it is... hold your ground.”

UFC owners address fighter pay concerns after kicking off $7.7 billion deal with Paramount: ‘We take that very seriously’

UFC CEO Dana White has acknowledged the concerns surrounding fighter pay, promising that the new deal with Paramount will lead to increased compensation for athletes. Mark Shapiro, president of TKO Group Holdings, which oversees both UFC and WWE, reiterated this commitment, stating that the organization takes fighter pay seriously and will ensure that athletes see financial benefits from the new broadcasting agreement.

UFC owners address fighter pay concerns after kicking off $7.7 billion deal with Paramount: ‘We take that very seriously’Max Holloway urges UFC fighters ‘know your worth’ after Zuffa Boxing’s reported $15 million purse for Conor BennSports IllustratedMax Holloway disappointed in UFC fighters over pay debate: “Know your worth”

Despite the promises of increased pay, some fighters remain skeptical. Former UFC middleweight champion Sean Strickland voiced his frustration, claiming, “No one’s getting paid f*cking more,” and suggested that fighters might earn more working at Walmart. This sentiment reflects a broader dissatisfaction among fighters regarding the perceived lack of tangible benefits from the UFC's lucrative broadcasting deal.

UFC owners address fighter pay concerns after kicking off $7.7 billion deal with Paramount: ‘We take that very seriously’

As Holloway prepares for his fight against Oliveira, he hopes to inspire younger fighters to advocate for themselves and understand their worth in the evolving landscape of MMA. The ongoing discussions about fighter pay highlight a critical issue within the sport, as athletes seek to secure fair compensation in an era marked by significant financial growth for the UFC.

Sports Illustrated