Former UFC Top Contender and also a former Bellator Welterweight Champion Rory MacDonald, recently opened up about the business side of the industry
In a recent interview with MMA Junkie, former UFC Title Challenger Rory MacDonald talked about his overall experience in the MMA circuit, and also touched upon the financial aspect of the game. Which has always been a subject of discussion.
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What Did The Former UFC And The Current PFL Precisely Said
Rory MacDonald very blatantly said “It’s a tough spot. You’re in a tough business of being a professional mixed martial artist. Most of the money is going to the promotion. We don’t have anything like the Ali Act that’s protecting us in getting, you know, fair distribution of the money that’s coming from these events. So in the current situation, the current marker, you pretty much have to fend for yourself is what I see.”
MacDonald is clearly of the view, that most of the generated revenue is spent on the promotion, and there is an asymmetry in its distribution. Which later hampers the monetary interests of the fighters
He further added “I felt like when I was in the UFC, I was focused on just being a champion, and when I get to that top spot I want to be a top competitor and the money is going to come. But it just seemed the increments of when I got to the next contract it wasn’t going anywhere substantial for me. So I had to make a tough decision, but I believe in myself that I would be successful out of the UFC and I’m not saying ill will towards the UFC. That’s just the way they conduct business and that’s fine.
That’s the current market and we as fighters we have to deal with that. The way I dealt with it, is to do what was best for me. I had to move on elsewhere and look at the entire market to look at other promotions and see what was the best situation for me.”
The “Red King” left UFC in 2016, when he was still at the top of his game. Currently he holds an impressive MMA record of 21-6-1.
He Concluded With an Advise
MacDonald Concluded with a very realistic advise, that says, if money is the primary driving force, then always look for the best interests. Which is valid in every sphere of life.
