The UFC have announced $600 million in revenue for 2015. Yet some of their fighters don’t seem to be earning a fair amount for the effort and work that they put in.
One of the brightest starts at bantamweight is Aljamain Sterling, who has recently fought out his contract with the UFC and is, for now, a free agent despite being ranked in the Top 5 in the world.
Sterling, also known as The Funk Master joined Ger on Off The Ball to talk about why he has gone down the free agency route.
"The main thing is we are bringing in the big bucks in terms of the UFC's promotion. They're doing a phenomenal job promoting the sport and their brand which is the UFC. So with that they need a product and we are the product, so even if one individual fighter isn't a big enough name to promote or sell-out on pay-per-views or whatever it is, I do believe we are the product and we are the reason why they are where they are today," said Sterling, adding that more fighters from the current generation will start realising their own financial value as individuals as they see how much the UFC are raking in.
You understand what whining and crying is Pizza Hut? I didn't ask for Mizugaki. He was my ONLY option. @RobSFont @Jon_Anik @kennyflorian
— Aljamain Sterling (@FunkMaster_UFC) January 5, 2016
"Looking out for No 1 because no one is going to look out for No 1 like you are," he said, adding that he is undeterred about taking a stand even if the UFC try to make an example of him as a result.
Sterling revealed the financial details of his most recent fight deals which left him "scratching his head".
"There've been a couple of fighters out there who have been chirping and saying 'Aljamain Sterling, all he does is whine and complain about money on Twitter'. But it's like 'dude, do you guys have any idea what complaining and whining is?' I'm asking for a legitimate raise with legitimate reason for a raise," he said.
"'So if you consider that whining, I hate to see the offers UFC gives you guys and you just instantly sign because you guys are punks.'"
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