Jeff Monson: Unionize MMA
I had the pleasure of hanging out with professional fighter Jeff Monson tonight at an open mic type setting and got to hear his point of view on how companies, such as the UFC, treat fighters. He felt strongly that there should be an inter-company union, consisting of MMA fighters at all levels, which would serve to protect the fighters from unfair treatment. He brought up the point about how everyone thinks that professional fighters make tons of money, yet, in reality, only a select few actually make a lot; most are paid a few G's while the UFC makes beaucoup money off their performances. He also mentioned as to how no insurance is afforded fighters and how most insurance companies will refuse to insure them, since they're considered high risk. He specifically mentioned one instance in which he was paid $50K for a fight he took in Texas. During the fight he suffered brain trauma and had to be hospitalized, without having insurance. His bill ended up being $75K, effectively putting him in the hole $25K for agreeing to the fight. Finally, he talked about how fighters used to be able to charge companies to use their shorts and banners for ad space, as a means for extra revenue, but now the UFC has decided that they don't like that. They now charge companies $150K just to pay a fighter $5k, which leads many fighters to miss out on extra revenue they should be entitled to.
I personally agree with his premise. Almost every other professional sport has some sort of player organization in order to protect the athletes from exploitation, yet fight companies have been able to subject fighters to what many would consider unfair monetary treatment. The problem that I pointed out to him is that there are so many people out there willing to fight for pennies to get their names out there, that fight companies are able to capitalize on this and continue to give fighters the shaft. His solution to this was that current champions, or others with serious status within the fighting ranks, will have to speak out about this to gain any traction. Otherwise the UFC, and all other fight companies, will simply cut those who are 'easily replaced'.
