Dana White Put on Spot Linking $7.7 Billion Deal to Fighter Pay Increase

UFC CEO Dana White shares good news about fighter pay following the recent Paramount deal. 

Dana White Put on Spot Linking $7.7 Billion Deal to Fighter Pay Increase

Dana White confirms fighter pay to increase in the future (via X)

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Fighter Pay in the UFC has consistently sparked debate, with CEO Dana White frequently facing criticism over compensation structures. One of the largest agreements in UFC history was the recent $7.7 billion broadcasting deal signed with Paramount. Following this enormous contract, numerous critics raised questions regarding whether the UFC would reconsider and reform how much fighters earn financially.

Starting in 2026, Paramount+ will be the exclusive U.S. streaming home for all major events. This includes 13 “numbered” UFC events and 30 annual Fight Nights, with select top-tier cards also airing on CBS. The UFC will eliminate its traditional pay-per-view system for U.S. customers, making all events accessible through the Paramount+ subscription service.

$7.7 billion over seven years, the agreement nearly doubles UFC’s previous annual revenue, providing approximately $1.1 billion per year. In a recent interview with 60 Minutes, Dana White was asked about any potential increase in fighter pay, and the CEO had a positive response.

I can’t sit here and tell you it’s double, it’s one and a half, it’s triple. Fighter pay is gonna be good. People don’t know how much a lot of these guys make. 

Dana White via 60 Minutes

White and company executives have confirmed that fighter bonuses will increase under the new deal, rewarding athletes who deliver standout performances. The expanded revenue pool theoretically enables higher minimum purses, particularly benefiting entry-level fighters, whose current pay starts at $12,000.

Analysts, however, caution that despite bonus and minimum pay raises, most fighters might see only a limited portion of revenue. The majority of increased profits are expected to flow primarily to company owners, executives, and a select group of top-tier superstars.

Removing the traditional pay-per-view model could alter how champions and main-event fighters earn, as they previously benefited from PPV points. The compensation method under the new system remains undecided, and these top fighters’ pay will likely become a topic of discussion. 

Paramount’s extensive streaming platforms and network coverage provide the UFC access to a more mainstream audience, particularly via CBS broadcasts. According to Dana White, the upcoming UFC White House event will be broadcasted on CBS, showcasing the event to millions. It remains to be seen whether this increased exposure can help White overcome ongoing criticism regarding fighter pay structures.

Dana White’s UFC pay structure challenged by boxing superstar Terence Crawford 

While UFC fighter pay has consistently faced criticism from fans and analysts, it is often compared with professional boxing earnings. Boxing follows a different pay model, where top fighters earn substantial percentages of total event revenue, significantly exceeding UFC payouts. Recently, Dana White launched his TKO boxing promotion, headlined by the mega fight featuring Canelo Alvarez and Terence Crawford. 

UFC vs. Boxing pay structures
UFC vs. Boxing pay structures (via X)

Despite losing the fight, the Mexican reportedly earned over $100 million, highlighting the enormous financial gaps between combat sports promotions. Alvarez and Crawford both earned around $150 million, equivalent to the total salaries paid to the entire UFC roster in 2025.

‘Bud’ explained these differences in a viral interview, emphasizing the structural reasons behind boxing and UFC pay disparities. 

Boxers get paid more than MMA. It’s no comparison. For instance, a guy headlining at the sphere, they probably be getting a couple of millions but you see a guy in the undercard of a big show probably making more money than that guy…UFC, that’s like the top of the top. So, we are talking about the big stage. So, once you make it to the UFC, you are in the big leagues now. When I’m in the big leagues, when I’m on the TV, I’m making more than you making when you come to UFC.

Terence Crawford via Pound 4 Pound Podcast 

Although Crawford claimed fighters on the main card in boxing made more than UFC headliners, he didn’t provide specific instances or names. Low revenue potential in the UFC was the primary reason Crawford declined the call-out from lightweight champion Ilia Topuria. According to Crawford, only Conor McGregor possesses enough drawing power to generate significant pay and viewership in UFC. 

Nevertheless, considering TKO boxers earn millions of dollars per fight, it will be interesting to observe how UFC fighters respond. Both UFC and TKO fighters operate under Dana White’s leadership, raising questions about potential fighter dissatisfaction within his promotions.

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