A summary of recent developments in combat sports includes ongoing discussions regarding fighter compensation, with UFC fighter Justin Gaethje disputing claims of increased earnings while boxer Conor Benn reportedly signed a significant deal with Zuffa Boxing. The landscape of combat sports promotions is also evolving with the announcement of an MVP MMA event on Netflix. Additionally, grappler Mikey Musumeci issued a challenge to Dillon Danis following a social media exchange.
Fighter Compensation in Focus
Discussions surrounding fighter pay within the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) recently occurred between UFC fighter Justin Gaethje and UFC Hall of Famer Daniel Cormier. Justin Gaethje stated that his earnings have not increased despite the UFC's new $7.7 billion TV rights deal with Paramount. These comments presented a counterpoint to previous statements by Cormier, who had suggested fighters would receive more money after the discontinuation of Pay-Per-View events.
During a Fight Week exchange, Gaethje questioned Cormier's assertions regarding fighter compensation increases. Cormier responded by affirming his knowledge and denied making a general statement that "everybody" was receiving increased pay. UFC CEO Dana White later addressed the situation, stating that the promotion had offered Gaethje an updated contract, but Gaethje's team did not respond to the offer.
Justin Gaethje stated that his earnings have not increased despite the UFC's new $7.7 billion TV rights deal with Paramount.
Benn's Reported $15 Million Deal
In a separate development concerning fighter earnings, British boxer Conor Benn has reportedly signed a one-fight contract with Zuffa Boxing, valued at $15 million. This reported sum is substantial within combat sports.
Former UFC bantamweight champion Sean O’Malley commented on the reported figure, stating he found the amount challenging to verify and noted his unfamiliarity with Benn. O'Malley also observed that boxers often receive a larger share of event revenue compared to UFC fighters, who collectively receive approximately 20 percent of the promotion's revenue. He indicated that Benn's reported contract value exceeds his own earnings despite his efforts to build his profile within the UFC. O'Malley discussed the business motivations and potential competitive factors between promoters that might influence such a deal.
Sean O'Malley observed that boxers often receive a larger share of event revenue compared to UFC fighters, who collectively receive approximately 20 percent of the promotion's revenue.
Evolving Promotional Landscape
The combat sports promotional landscape is expanding with the announcement of Most Valuable Promotions' (MVP) mixed martial arts (MMA) event on Netflix, scheduled for May 2026. UFC Hall of Famer Daniel Cormier expressed interest in the event, which is slated to be headlined by Ronda Rousey and Gina Carano. Additional bouts include Francis Ngannou against Philipe Lins and Nate Diaz facing Mike Perry.
Cormier noted that while the event presents a platform for fighters and offers the benefit of competition, it does not meet UFC standards, asserting that the top fighters compete in the UFC. He stated that the UFC White House card is superior for comparison purposes.
Daniel Cormier asserted that while the MVP event offers a platform, it "does not meet UFC standards," stating that the top fighters compete in the UFC.
Inter-Fighter Challenges
Grappler Mikey Musumeci, a UFC BJJ bantamweight champion and five-time IBJJF world champion, recently challenged Dillon Danis to a grappling match. This challenge followed Danis's comment on Musumeci's social media post, which featured a clip of Musumeci's foot lock submission victory against Shay Montague at UFC BJJ 5.
Musumeci proposed the match, citing Danis's recurring critical comments on his posts, and acknowledged potential size differences. Dillon Danis is known for his grappling background and association as a training partner for Conor McGregor, having also participated in boxing events, including a match against Logan Paul. Musumeci has also announced future plans to grapple UFC lightweight contender Arman Tsarukyan.
Mikey Musumeci challenged Dillon Danis to a grappling match, citing Danis's recurring critical comments on his social media posts.