The Real Winners of UFC 100: A Look at Fighter Pay and the Evolution of MMA

Kosport Magazine – 05/15/2021

When we think of the biggest and most successful events in MMA history, UFC 100 is often at the top of the list. With a blockbuster main event between Frank Mir and Brock Lesnar, the event sold a record-setting 1.6 million pay-per-views and generated over $71 million in revenue. But while the UFC and cable companies were raking in the profits, the fighters themselves were left with a fraction of what they deserved.

In an exclusive interview with Kosport Magazine, Mir opens up about his experience as a fighter during the early days of the UFC and the shocking realization of just how underpaid he was compared to the promotion’s profits.

“I didn’t know better at the time,” Mir admits. “But now, looking back, it’s mind-blowing. How is it that a boxing match with Deontay Wilder and Tyson Fury, which sold less pay-per-views than me and Brock, made over $40 million for each fighter? Meanwhile, I didn’t even make a million.”

Mir’s frustration is understandable, especially when you consider that Lesnar made $400,000 for the same event. And while Lesnar’s payday may seem substantial, it pales in comparison to the millions that Fury and Wilder made for their rematch in 2020.

But Mir’s story is not unique. Many fighters during this time were grossly underpaid, with the UFC taking the lion’s share of the profits. And while the promotion has made strides in increasing fighter pay in recent years, it’s clear that there is still a long way to go.

Mir also points out the stark difference between MMA and boxing when it comes to fighter pay. In boxing, with multiple promoters and organizations, fighters have more leverage and can negotiate for a larger share of the profits. In MMA, the UFC is the only major promoter, leaving fighters with little bargaining power.

But despite the challenges and frustrations, Mir sees hope for the future of MMA and fighter pay. “Athletes are making more money now than they were 15 years ago,” he says. “And that’s the only thing that calms my nerves when it comes to my daughter following in my footsteps and becoming a fighter.”

As a father, Mir was once worried about the financial stability of a career in MMA. But with the sport’s growing popularity and increased fighter pay, he is now more confident in his daughter’s ability to make a living as a fighter.

In the end, Mir’s story serves as a reminder of the evolution of MMA and the progress that still needs to be made in terms of fighter pay. But with fighters like Mir speaking out and advocating for change, the future looks bright for the next generation of MMA athletes.