Tai Tuivasa reveals he buys his own Flight Tickets as the UFC wanted him to travel in coach for a ridiculous 22 hours
Follow Us
Tai engaging in his traditional "Shoey" Celebration
Tai Tuivasa is all set to face Cyril Gane in the main event for the UFC’s grand return to the French Capital of Paris. Considering that he is the headliner for the main event in one of the most famous cities in the world, it’s only natural to assume that Tai would be traveling in style. Well not if it were left up to the UFC as Tai revealed on the MMA Hour that he in fact books his own tickets.
In all fairness, we should disclose that the UFC does book flights for its talent although they can be cheap with it. The promotion booked an economy class ticket for its headliner on a journey halfway across the world. Tai who didn’t want to deal with that, chose to book his own tickets and move up to business class.
The UFC has often been criticized for its share of revenue that the fighters are entitled to with many arguing it to be the reason that top athletic prospects may choose to make their career in a different sport rather than get bloodied up for a measly $12k assurance.
Related: Tai Tuivasa thinks Jon Jones is the greatest fighter ever despite him being a “D***head”
Tai Tuivasa is among many in the UFC who do not receive first-class tickets for Main Events
The fighters by the nature of their contract are independent contractors which absolves the UFC of having to look after the travel and accommodations for their talent, much like the WWE. However even the WWE assists it’s top talents like John Cena, Brock Lesnar and the like by providing free first class flights or adjacent travel like luxury buses.
When compared to other professional sports leagues like the NBA or NFL, the UFC’s position comes off as even more embarrassing. The NBA, or much rather the team takes up all the travel costs for its players with stables like the Sacramento Kings renting out Drake’s private Boeing 777 for the team to make it to away games.
The NFL too provides travel for the entire team and crew that may average at around a 180-person entourage. The travel is mainly done either by flight or bus and trains for nearby cities. Tai who is on a 5 fight win streak at heavyweight is an undisputed star with his charismatic persona, viral knockouts and the iconic “Shoey“ that he helped popularize.
“I did my time at the back of the plane now it’s time I’m seated up front,” said Tai as he told a bedazzled Helwani that he still pays for his tickets. When Helwani said that a headliner as huge literally and figuratively like Tai Tuivasa should have his first-class tickets provided by the UFC, Tai simply said, “I would agree with you too, but that’s another argument for another time I suppose.”
Unlike the NBA or NFL, the UFC has no union working for the fighters benefits. Also unlike the other big leagues the UFC does not provide insurance to it’s fighters for any injuries or sicknesses sustained outside the octagon. What are your thoughts on this situation? Let us know!
Stay Updated!
Jerin Mathew
(713 Articles Published)