TLDR
- Henry Cejudo says UFC pay will only change when fighters unite and stop accepting low compensation
- Cejudo criticized fighters for not standing together on pay issues, using harsh language
- The former champion pointed to foreign fighters as part of the problem, saying they accept less money
- Cejudo believes international athletes come from countries where UFC pay seems like good money
- The retired two-division champion says fighters need to collectively demand better pay
Sources: MMA Fighting | hitc.com
Former UFC two-division champion Henry Cejudo has shared his controversial opinion on fighter pay, saying compensation won’t improve until fighters change their approach. Cejudo used harsh language to describe what he sees as the main problem.
Cejudo said UFC pay will change when “fighters stop becoming p*ssies.” The retired fighter believes athletes in the promotion need to unite and stand together on compensation issues.
Foreign Fighters and the Pay Problem
The former flyweight and bantamweight champion pointed to international fighters as part of the issue. Cejudo explained that fighters from other countries often accept lower pay because the money seems good compared to what they could earn at home.
He believes foreign athletes are willing to compete for less money than their American counterparts might demand. This creates a situation where the UFC can maintain current pay structures without pressure to change.
Cejudo suggested that fighters from certain countries view UFC pay as life-changing money. For athletes coming from nations with lower average incomes, even modest UFC contracts can seem like a major financial opportunity.
The former champion’s comments touch on a long-standing debate in mixed martial arts. Fighter pay has been a contentious issue in the UFC for years, with many athletes and observers arguing that fighters receive too small a share of company revenue.
Unity Among Fighters
Cejudo’s main point focused on the lack of unity among UFC fighters. He believes that without collective action, pay structures will remain the same.
The retired champion suggested that fighters need to stop accepting whatever terms the UFC offers. His comments imply that individual fighters taking low-paying contracts make it harder for others to negotiate better deals.
Cejudo retired from the UFC in 2020 but returned in 2022 to challenge for the bantamweight title. He lost that fight to Aljamain Sterling and has not competed since.
During his career, Cejudo became one of only four fighters to hold UFC titles in two weight classes at the same time. He won the flyweight championship in 2018 and the bantamweight title in 2019.
The fighter pay debate has intensified in recent years. Several lawsuits have been filed against the UFC regarding fighter compensation and contracts.
Cejudo’s comments come as more fighters speak publicly about pay issues. Some athletes have formed groups to discuss collective interests, though the UFC has no formal fighters union.
The former champion’s perspective differs from many current fighters who blame the UFC directly. Cejudo places responsibility on fighters themselves for not demanding better terms.
His view that foreign fighters accept lower pay reflects the global nature of the UFC roster. The promotion features athletes from dozens of countries across six continents.
