Jorge Masvidal Threatens to Quit the UFC if They Don't Show Him the Money
By Scott Rogust
UFC president Dana White already endured a public war of words with now-former light heavyweight champion Jon Jones over a pay discrepancy. Now, another one of White's top fighters is lashing out.
On Friday, Jorge Masvidal voiced his displeasure with the UFC on Twitter, saying that either the company pay what he feels he's deserved, or they grant his release.
I’m not an independent contractor if I can’t go anywhere else to make a living. Let me go and let me see if I’m worth it @espn #supernecessary
— Jorge Masvidal UFC (@GamebredFighter) June 5, 2020
For the past few months, the UFC has been trying to finalize a fight between Masvidal and Kamaru Usman for the welterweight title. Previously, the "BMF" champion said that it was Usman who was holding up negotiations, but now, he's switched stances by claiming the company is responsible.
During a UFC 250 scrum on Friday, White said neither Masvidal or Jones have to fight if they don't want to. Masvidal replied in a thread on Twitter, saying that players from other professional sports leagues can negotiate for less pay in 2020 because they're receiving half of the revenue that's generated. For the UFC, in Masvidal's words, fighters only receive between 12-18% of the revenue.
50% of the revenue. I don’t get paid on the hot dog you sell in the arena or the logo on the cage. I’ve never made a dollar on a ticket you sell. I get punched in the face for a living and even I know the pandemic or what’s left of it has nothing to do with it
— Jorge Masvidal UFC (@GamebredFighter) June 5, 2020
While Masvidal says he wants the financial compensation he's earned, White points out that he's paying lucrative money to run events during the coronavirus pandemic and to provide adequate COVID-19 testing for fighters and their cornermen. White continues, saying the company is set to lose $100-200 million due to no fans being allowed to attend the fights.
Even with White's explanations, Masvidal isn't buying it. If Masvidal isn't shown his money, he wants out.