Trending Now - Cejudo Suggests UFC Pay Reform Hinges on Fighter Mentality

WHO:

Henry Cejudo, UFC athlete and commentator

Kamaru Usman, UFC athlete and commentator

Jon Jones, UFC athlete

Conor McGregor, UFC athlete

Sean O’Malley, UFC athlete

Ronda Rousey, former UFC women’s bantamweight champion

Alex Pereira, UFC athlete

Colby Covington, UFC athlete

Daniel Cormier, former UFC two-division champion and commentator

Hunter Campbell, UFC executive

WHAT:

Cejudo stated that UFC pay will change when fighters stop being afraid and work together.

Cejudo mentioned a 51-49 pay split in other sports like basketball, football, and MLB.

Cejudo highlighted that some fighters, like Pantoja, have had to work jobs like Uber Eats while fighting in the UFC.

The UFC signed a seven-year, $7.7 billion broadcasting deal with Paramount.

Conor Benn reportedly signed a $15 million deal for one Zuffa Boxing appearance.

Usman questioned the rationale behind Pereira's eight-fight deal and the implications for fighter pay.

Cejudo expressed concern about how Pereira's deal affects other fighters in the UFC.

Ronda Rousey announced her Netflix project with the quote, “Welcome to the revolution. It’s the FIGHTERS vs the establishment — and we’re gonna win!”

Cormier stated that the UFC White House card is the best card of the year.

WHERE:

The discussions took place on the Pound 4 Pound podcast.

Ronda Rousey’s Netflix project is titled “Rousey vs. Carano.”

WHEN:

Ronda Rousey’s Netflix project is set to release on May 16th, 2026.

UFC 207 event occurred on December 30th, 2016.

WHY:

Cejudo and Usman believe that the current pay structure in the UFC is unfair compared to other major sports.

Rousey expressed dissatisfaction with the UFC's failure to meet her price tag, leading her to pursue opportunities outside the organization.

HOW:

Cejudo suggested that managers need to collaborate to improve fighter pay.

Cormier emphasized the importance of competition in providing opportunities for fighters to earn a living outside the UFC.

(UPDATED March 20, 2026 01:26 UTC)

In a recent episode of the Pound 4 Pound podcast, UFC athletes and commentators, including Henry Cejudo and Kamaru Usman, discussed the need for a change in fighter pay, highlighting that some fighters are forced to take side jobs to make ends meet. Cejudo pointed out that while other sports have a 51-49 pay split, UFC fighters often struggle, and he urged managers to collaborate for better compensation, echoing Usman's concerns about the implications of Alex Pereira's eight-fight deal. Meanwhile, Ronda Rousey announced her upcoming Netflix project titled "Rousey vs. Carano," set to release on May 16, 2026, declaring, “Welcome to the revolution. It’s the FIGHTERS vs the establishment — and we’re gonna win!”