actually this is fake news, he made more than JDS in his last fight. so the only problem is reem, but reem got a HUGE contract after fighting it out and knocking out JDS for his last fight in his last contract
it would be illogical to attend to miocic's demands
Not fake news.
Stipe says he had 2 fights in a row with contenders making more than him.
So he's only talking about *at that time he fought JDS*.
Not what JDS is making now.
However due to the way the sentence was constructed in the article it's understandable that one could misinterpret it.
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I agree with you that Stipe can't compare himself to Ovreem.
Champs can expect to earn more than most of the top 10, but they can't expect to be the #1 earner in the division.
There will always be special deals for legends.
Sometimes the UFC will also be in a position where they need to land a valuable contract, but they can't then be expected to raise everyone elses salaries to the same level.
Also, I bet Ovreem being in the UFC has been benefitial for other fighters as well.
Champs should look at the average salary instead, and how much fighters were making a few years ago to asses if they are being paid fair amounts.