“Show me the money!”

If you’re a hardcore fan of MMA then by now you’ve certainly heard about the issues most fighters face for competing at the highest levels of the sport. Fighter pay is was one of those issues that can mean the difference between a successful and comfortable future and living in obscurity with no coins to your name. It’s a hard truth that many fighters have to face after their fighting careers. For those competing at a lower level this is certainly an everyday concern, something they must contemplate on a daily basis until they reach main card and main event status. But apparently those in the upper echelon are also faced with the same issues. Donald “Cowboy” Cerrone is the epitome of fan friendly fighter. He sells tickets and gets viewership where it counts. So why is someone of Cowboy’s caliber complaining about fighter pay. Cowboy is such a fan friendly fighter that he certainly deserves to get a higher than average pay day. Yet somehow, Cowboy is only earning $79K to show and the same amount to win. It’s that dismal payday that has led Cerrone to say that “The UFC doesn’t give a shit about me.” Let’s face it, we’ve seen these complaints before namely by Rory MacDonald who just dropped a decision to Stephen Thompson at UFC Fight Night 89. With MacDonald suggesting that he’ll test free agency for a chance at more money, the UFC should be concerned that they’re setting a precedent that they can hardly afford to keep up, not without spurning fighters to push for the creation of a union, (something that isn’t a horrible idea). Now that Cowboy was so vocal about his displeasure with his current salary, maybe it’s time for him to renegotiate his contract with the UFC. If they aren’t willing to do so then we’ll be seeing more and more high level fighters test the free agency waters and that’s something that will eventually do more harm than good for the biggest MMA promotion in the world. Bellator is waiting in the wings, so let’s see how the UFC tries to play their hand. Do you think fighters should be paid more? Follow Generation Iron MMA on Facebook and Twitter. Also, be sure to share, like, and comment to show your support.

Jonathan Salmon is a writer, martial arts instructor, and geek culture enthusiast. Check out his Twitter and Facebook to keep up with his antics.