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Former UFC champion Demetrious Johnson believes Dana White is making a statement with Conor Benn's pay.
Zuffa Boxing reportedly signed the British boxing star to a one-fight, $15 million deal, a figure that has shocked the likes of former UFC bantamweight champion Sean O'Malley.
White said entering the boxing world has left him feeling like he's" beating up babies," and Johnson wonders how Benn's pay was disclosed when what UFC fighters make currently isn't.
"Fifteen million dollars for one fight is crazy because what's going to happen after this fight?" Johnson said on his YouTube channel. "Is the $15 million worth having Conor Benn? It's the first time I've heard of him. From what everybody tells me, he's a very good boxer. But is Khamzat Chimaev making $15 million? Is Ilia Topuria making $15 million? Is Merab Dvalishvili making $15 million? We don't know because those numbers are always hidden, but I truly believe it's a flex from Dana White."
More: Dana White goes scorched earth on Eddie Hearn: 'Is there a bigger p*ssy?'
Benn left his long-time promoter in Matchroom Boxing to sign with Zuffa Boxing. Fighter pay in the UFC has been a hot and debated topic for years, and $15 million is a figure rarely made by MMA fighters. Johnson admits that paying fighters these types of figures is not sustainable but has a theory why White did it for a boxer who is less mainstream than various UFC stars.
"I think Dana White did it out of spite," Johnson said. "I think Dana White did it because he can't do that. I think, and I quote, Dana White says he's fighting babies in the sport of boxing, because I think Dana White is showing those guys, 'I can make this big payday.' Like, $15 million. Boom, there you go. ... Benn getting $15 million is amazing, but I also think it's a flex from Dana White saying that 'I can take one of your boxers like that and just pay him more.'"
This article originally appeared on MMA Junkie: Ex-UFC champ explains why Dana White paid Conor Benn huge money
Continue reading...
Zuffa Boxing reportedly signed the British boxing star to a one-fight, $15 million deal, a figure that has shocked the likes of former UFC bantamweight champion Sean O'Malley.
White said entering the boxing world has left him feeling like he's" beating up babies," and Johnson wonders how Benn's pay was disclosed when what UFC fighters make currently isn't.
"Fifteen million dollars for one fight is crazy because what's going to happen after this fight?" Johnson said on his YouTube channel. "Is the $15 million worth having Conor Benn? It's the first time I've heard of him. From what everybody tells me, he's a very good boxer. But is Khamzat Chimaev making $15 million? Is Ilia Topuria making $15 million? Is Merab Dvalishvili making $15 million? We don't know because those numbers are always hidden, but I truly believe it's a flex from Dana White."
More: Dana White goes scorched earth on Eddie Hearn: 'Is there a bigger p*ssy?'
Benn left his long-time promoter in Matchroom Boxing to sign with Zuffa Boxing. Fighter pay in the UFC has been a hot and debated topic for years, and $15 million is a figure rarely made by MMA fighters. Johnson admits that paying fighters these types of figures is not sustainable but has a theory why White did it for a boxer who is less mainstream than various UFC stars.
"I think Dana White did it out of spite," Johnson said. "I think Dana White did it because he can't do that. I think, and I quote, Dana White says he's fighting babies in the sport of boxing, because I think Dana White is showing those guys, 'I can make this big payday.' Like, $15 million. Boom, there you go. ... Benn getting $15 million is amazing, but I also think it's a flex from Dana White saying that 'I can take one of your boxers like that and just pay him more.'"
This article originally appeared on MMA Junkie: Ex-UFC champ explains why Dana White paid Conor Benn huge money
Continue reading...
