Dana White and the Fertitta brothers, Frank and Lorenzo, took the UFC from a million-dollar company to a multi-billion-dollar one. Despite the UFC’s global popularity, the promotion has faced criticism for its pay structure, as the fighters’ total fight purse is less than 20% of their profits.
Jake Paul, the crossover boxing star, has long been critical of the UFC’s pay structure. Paul has been hot on the heels of the UFC head honcho. However, Nakisa Bidarian, Paul’s business partner, seemed to have a different opinion on the 54-year-old UFC CEO.
Nakisa Bidarian Emphasizes UFC’s Potential in Athlete Engagement
Speaking to Ariel Helwani on the MMA Hour, Bidarian praised Bidarian for the biggest MMA promotion in the world. However, the former UFC executive felt the UFC should learn from other sports promotions like the NBA, NFL, and MLB to partner with athletes.
“The UFC is the greatest combat sports promotion that ever was, that is, and I think will be for a very long period of time. That’s why I’m hopeful that at some point, they’ll bring in the fighters to truly be their partners, like other leagues do, because I think that will only benefit them in the long term,” said Bidarian.
The UFC recently faced a class action antitrust lawsuit, which they settled out of court for less than $335 million. Many thought the lawsuit would’ve brought significant changes in the fighter pay. Unfortunately, the out-of-court settlement has dampened the idea. If the plaintiffs had opted for a judge’s verdict, Bidarian’s suggestion might’ve come true.
In addition to co-founding Most Valuable Promotions with Jake Paul, Bidarian is also the manager of the crossover boxing star. Moreover, he worked as the UFC’s Chief financial officer for five years. Dana White had often criticized the Iranian-American’s credibility, but it has subsided.
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