Dana White Claims Nobody Else Comes Close To What UFC Pays Fighters

Dana White is known to be a very controversial figure when it comes to the proper payment of UFC stars. He was called out for this fact many times by the likes of Jake Paul. However, it cannot be dismissed that Dana White has made UFC what it is today as it remains the most popular promotion for MMA in the world right now. Dana White is also known to care about the wellbeing of his fighters in the promotion.

UFC is certainly a very physically demanding and dangerous sport where any competitor could suffer a horrific injury. Some injuries can end the careers and impact the lives of UFC fighters as well.

The tragic demise of Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship fighter Justin Thornton has made the subject of fighter safety a huge topic of discussion now.

While speaking during a press conference at Dana White’s Contender Series 42, UFC President Dana White claimed that nobody comes close to what UFC does for fighter safety, as they spend $20 million annually for fighter safety.

“Every year, we spend over $20 million on athlete medical [health & safety]. $20 million a year! And 25% of our athletes, we send a specialist, so a guy will come and [check the fighter specifically]. Something happens to his or her [fighter’s] heart, they go and see a heart specialist… And as a result of that our pre-fight screening, we found 10 athletes who had life-threatening medical problems with them… Nobody does even remotely close to what we do. It’s never been done, what we do, and nobody ever will…

We shouldn’t even be talked about in the same sentence as Bare Knuckle boxing. It’s two completely different worlds. And yes, we’re very sorry to hear that this guy passed away, but you are never gonna see any of these other organizations doing the type of health, safety, and medical testing that we do for our athletes.”

Currently, the UFC provides health benefits to active members of its roster who are dealing with injury issues related to a fight or a training camp. However, they won’t be getting healthcare benefits after retirement, which certainly won’t sit well with many fans and UFC fighters alike.

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