Dana White Reveals Why Most Fighters Hide Their Personal Earning

UFC head honcho Dana White discusses how fighters can choose to disclose their payouts, but they typically don't due to concerns about privacy.

Dana White Reveals Why Most Fighters Hide Their Personal Earning

Dana White talks about fighter pay (via The Boston Globe)

The UFC has seen numerous debates over fighter pay, and once again, the spotlight is on CEO Dana White’s stance on the issue. The UFC CEO has long maintained that fighters were free to discuss their earnings if they choose, but his latest comments highlight why many prefer not to. He pointed out that while transparency sounds good in theory, it can make life more complicated for athletes.

Over the years, fighter pay has been one of the most scrutinized topics surrounding the promotion. While the UFC has grown into a billion-dollar business, fighters have consistently voiced concerns over how much of that revenue reaches them. This has led to disputes with athletic commissions and comparisons with other professional sports, where athletes often earn close to half of the total revenue.

In an interview with Vegas PBS, White addressed the matter by explaining why many fighters remain silent about their pay. He stressed that there is no restriction from the UFC on disclosing salaries, but that fighters themselves often avoid it for personal reasons. His remarks came as part of a broader discussion on why commissions in some states release official purse numbers while others have stopped doing so.

There’s no gag order on any of these fighters. They could all sit down and do full interviews on how much they make and what they were paid. They don’t want to because they don’t want you to know what they got paid. When people find out what you made, it makes life a lot tougher. There are a lot of people sitting around looking for handouts when they find out you made millions of dollars.

Dana White via Vegas PBS

The reporter went on to mention UFC 319, where Khamzat Chimaev faced Dricus Du Plessis in a championship main event. She pressed White on how much each fighter had earned from the high-profile bout. However, he firmly stood his ground and insisted that disclosing those figures was not his responsibility and that fighter pay remains a private matter.

Several UFC fighters over the years have been vocal about the issue of pay, adding more weight to the ongoing debate. Stars like Sean Strickland and Francis Ngannou have openly challenged the UFC’s compensation model. Ngannou even left the promotion in pursuit of better financial terms in boxing and signed with rival promotion PFL. Meanwhile, Strickland has openly called out White regarding the issue.

When it comes to financial success in the UFC, the most prominent stars, such as Conor McGregor and Ronda Rousey, have earned millions through pay-per-view shares and bonuses. In contrast, the majority of the roster earns considerably less. Dana White believed that a fighter is responsible for making their name, which would guarantee them a heavier pay cheque.

The promotion’s revenue split with fighters has hovered around 20 percent, far lower than major leagues like the NFL or NBA. Recent talks of improved deals have been floated, especially with the UFC’s upcoming media rights changes, but nothing concrete has materialized yet. While some argue that openness and reform would bring fairness, others see them as unnecessary risks to a proven system.

Dana White reveals his grand plans for boxing

Combat sports continue to evolve as new formats and ideas are introduced, with high-profile events drawing global attention. One of the biggest upcoming boxing clashes is the Canelo Alvarez vs. Terence Crawford showdown, and Dana White has positioned himself to play a direct role in the spectacle. He is now making moves that are extending his influence beyond mixed martial arts and into the boxing world.

Dana White managing Canelo Alvarez vs Terence Crawford
Dana White managing Canelo Alvarez vs Terence Crawford (via Sports Illustrated)

In an interview with Vegas PBS, the UFC CEO revealed that in 2026, he plans to launch a new show where the emphasis will be on every fight of the night, not just the main events. Backed by TKO Group, Turki Alalshikh, and Sela, the project is being positioned as a significant step in unifying and restructuring the professional boxing industry.

In 2026, I’m gonna start my show. What I’m gonna do is basically like the Contender Series. The best will fight the best, and undefeated guys will fight undefeated guys. You will care about the first fight of the night and not just the main event. I will build stars, put on great fights, and then these guys will graduate and fight with Turki Alalshikh, and they will determine how much they get paid.

Dana White via Vega PBS

Some view the move as a much-needed shakeup for a sport bogged down by multiple belts and politics. In contrast, others have voiced concerns about health and safety, particularly regarding weight divisions. Still, with strong financial support and Dana White’s proven track record in MMA, this ambitious venture could represent a turning point for boxing if it clears the hurdles ahead.

Also Read: