The Bad Side of Higher Fighter Pay - Gaethje

[ferrisjso]

Fans like to stand behind the fighters and support their demand for higher pay. At the same, it is common that once fighters are making a lot of money, they need and are willing to fight less. It is rare these days to see champions defend more than twice a year. Some do so only once, or less, milking their value at the top with all that comes from it. It happened in boxing too, and had disastrous results. This creates a lethargic pace in divisions, particularly compounded with things like injuries and so on.

Here is a clip of Gaethje saying exactly this: 1-2 fights a year is what he wants, now that he is consolidated, considering what he is getting paid. He doesn't need to fight more. Of course, this is good for the fighters. But not so much for the fans, who have to witness champions and top paid athletes sit out milking their market worth and cashing one or two big paychecks a year. Not everyone is like this, but it's the trend.

Elite fighters only wanting to fight for belts is going to be around either way. You could argue that low fighter pay is the reason they aren't fighting because risking a loss in a non title bout is jeopardizing what they'd make in a title bout/subsequent title bouts. Top 5 fighters who aren't in title fights are the most exploited fighters in the UFC if you pay fighters more for main event non title fights contenders will be willing to fight in them.

 

[Thanatos2]

I mean, it's prizefighting. Fighters are going to go for the most lucrative fights, both for their wallets and to preserve their health. Why would you fault someone, who takes repeated blows to the head for your amusement, for trying to make the most money they can is confusing to me. There is so much combat sporting events out there that your bloodlust can be easily sated if your favorite fighter isn't as active.

 

[SmokeBear]

With the exciting fights and finishes Justin has given us, imo he gets a pass, just needs to tone it down with the bitter sounding comments about khabib and his boy islam