In the past, fans have seen fighters leave the UFC after their contracts ended due to lower pay. A prime example is former heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou, who joined the PFL for better compensation. This time, the billion-dollar company is back in the spotlight as UFC star Chris Weidman has criticized the promotion for withholding his fight purse. He has openly slammed the UFC over unpaid earnings from UFC 309.
Earlier this month, former UFC middleweight champion Weidman was scheduled to face Eryk Anders at UFC 309. However, the fight was canceled on the day of the event after Anders withdrew due to food poisoning. Despite weighing in and being ready to fight, Weidman revealed he hasn’t received his full fight purse. Speaking on The Ariel Helwani Show, ‘The All-American’ expressed frustration over not being paid:
”My show money is my win money. I have guaranteed money. So that was my point—like, I showed up, you guys had that on the budget sheet to begin with, you guys had a great night, why do you guys get to keep that money and I don’t? That was my thought. Their thoughts were, ‘Listen, this happens on like 40% of the cards, and if we paid people to not fight…’ They just want to be consistent on what they do in those situations.”
Weidman also pointed out that he fulfilled all his responsibilities for UFC 309 leading up to the fight, including gaining weight, attending all media obligations, and being ready to compete on Saturday night. However, now “The All-American” is set to return to the octagon for the final pay-per-view event of the year.
Chris Weidman Set to Return in Final PPV of the Year, Against Eryk Anders at UFC 310
Anders withdrew from their UFC 309 bout due to food poisoning the night before, causing the fight to be canceled. However, the bout has now been rescheduled for UFC 310 on December 7, 2024, with the promotion planning to book Weidman against Anders at a 195-pound catchweight.
Weidman has made significant contributions to the UFC, with 19 fights, a former middleweight championship title, 8 headlining events (including 5 pay-per-views), and 15 main card appearances.
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Despite his accomplishments, the recent purse issue has caught the attention of fans. As a fan favorite, many are now eager to see him back in action. Fans will have to wait a little longer, but Weidman is set to return at UFC 310.
Also Read: Jon Jones Vows To Do No Business With “A**Hole” Tom Aspinall Ahead Of UFC 309
