Fighters complain about sponsorship figures with Reebok and report financial losses

Schaub (photo) did not like the news about Reebok's sponsorship. Photo: Disclosure/UFC

The details of Reebok's sponsorship agreement with the UFC were not well accepted by the majority of fighters who spoke out on social media. Many of the athletes who currently compete in the largest MMA organization in the world complained about the amounts they will receive per fight, which were announced this Wednesday (6).

Fighters will be compensated financially based on the number of fights they have had in the UFC, with payments ranging from US$2,5 to US$40. Starting with UFC 189 in July, UFC fighters will have to wear Reebok uniforms at all official events, without being allowed to show any other type of sponsorship.

See too

Fighters will receive from US$ 2,5 with new sponsorship from Reebok

UFC responds to complaints and changes financial compensation system with Reebok sponsorship

Belfort does not see the partnership between UFC and Reebok favorably: 'I don't think it's fair'

the veteran Brendan Schaub, a UFC athlete since 2009, according to the table, is expected to pocket US$10 in his next fight. “In each of my last six fights, I managed to earn a six-figure sum just from sponsorships”, lamented the fighter.

Roger Narvaez, who only had three fights for Ultimate, was also dissatisfied with the figures. “Wow, I'm going to get $2,5 for my last fight with Reebok sponsorship. I managed to earn double that with just one sponsor in my last fight. I understand what the UFC is trying to do, but these numbers hurt fighters like me who spend $2 to $3 just on preparation,” he complained.

Heavyweight Matt Mitrione, who usually doesn't hold his tongue, was more direct in his criticism. “Congratulations, Reebok, you got the deal of the century. Unfortunately, this came at the expense of the fighters. I hope this offsets the negative repercussion”, said the athlete, who is expected to receive US$10.

The promising bantamweight aljamain sterling also recognized the financial losses he will suffer, but also saw a positive point with the news: “The agreement should make sense for at least 80% of the fighters. For me, I barely make any money from sponsorship, but I don't see any problems with not needing to wear myself out with companies. The new system will cost me half of my earnings”, he pointed out.

There were also those who praised

However, UFC fighters didn't just react negatively to the recent news. Scott Jorgensen, who has already had several fights for the UFC and WEC (whose fights will also be counted), was happy with the prices. “I just checked my email and had good news! US$ 21 thousand in the account with Zuffa [company that owns the UFC]. Thank you, Lorenzo Fertitta, Dana White and Reebok”, he commented.

Light weight Khabib Nurmagomedov also welcomed the news: “Now the sport is on a different level with the agreement with Reebok”, he noted.

Finally, TUF champion Norman Parke sent a message to his fellow fighters: “You get paid to fight, end of story. Stop whining about sponsorships,” he posted.

[vox id=”29423″]

Mike Tyson fires back at criticism about age and sends a message to Jake Paul: 'I like…'