T. Kennedy (photo) stated that he only keeps 31% of the purse he receives from the UFC. Photo: Josh Hedges (ZUFFA/Strikeforce)
After John Cholish, Jacob Volkmann and Jon Fitch, it was the turn of the newly hired Tim Kennedy, who will face Roger gracie at UFC 162, complain about the payment offered by Ultimate to athletes. In a podcast interview “GrappleTalk”, Kennedy spoke mainly about the fact that several fighters had to supplement their income with other activities.
“It’s pathetic that so many fighters (have to have other jobs). I'm one of the 3% of guys in the entire sport (who don't need it) and it's hard to survive just on what I earn from fighting. It's a good thing I have another job, because the UFC doesn't pay very well. Anyone who accepts (that fighters are overpaid) as 'reality of the sport' is sad and pathetic. I hope this is not the reality in sport. If so, I should probably go do something else, like empty trash cans. I would make more money than I do now”, said the fighter.
Kennedy, who is a sergeant in the US Armed Forces and served in Iraq and Afghanistan, revealed that he will receive US$55 (approximately R$120) as a stipend to perform at UFC 162 – this amount could rise by US$15 in case of victory. The athlete, however, stated that 59% of the amount received was used to pay preparation expenses (such as gym, nutrition, manager, coach, etc.). Furthermore, part of it, corresponding to the remaining 31%, still undergoes tax deduction before finally reaching his hands.
Tim Kennedy, 33 years old, has a record of 15 wins and four losses. The American contested the now-defunct Strikeforce middleweight title twice, having been defeated both times – first by the Brazilian Ronaldo Jacare and later by compatriot Luke Rockhold.
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