For this random example, let’s pretend you’re someone middle of the rankings, with time to improve… Let’s say Borranchinha - Paulo Costa, #15 MW (yes, I know rankings are bullshit blahblahblah)
UFC offers 3 fights, 30k/30k & ppv points on any card you main/co-main, with no guarantees on how many you may get.
Bellator offers 3 fights 100k, no ppv.
We know the fight game is short & dangerous, but would you be happy in an org that doesn’t PED test (not properly, anyway), fighting against Mousasi, Shlemenko, etc., when you could be fighting for UFC gold?
I’d pick the UFC 10/10 Times first. Then if they cut me I can fall back to Bellator or the regional circuit and ask for more money because I have “UFC Vet” on my resume. If I go on a run outside the UFC I’ll have a better chance of getting back in... that’s IF they both called the same day. I’d never turn down a Bellator multi-fight deal on the off chance the UFC called.
Oh wait I read that wrong, 100k Times 3? Yeah fuck the UFC on that one. Fights in Bellator Aren’t any more or less dangerous than the UFC because of testing, also guys in regional shows usually aren’t tested at all, they still fight
I’d go Bellator, no question. Keep in mind if you’re still improving, at the conclusion of that 3 fight deal you are likely in a better position to negotiate. I really dislike the UFC sponsorship restrictions for an up and coming fighter who might have the ability to jump a level and become a serious contender.
Ngannou is getting $500k purse and $30k for Reebok. For a PPV event, legit world championship bout for the heavyweight strap and he’s only getting that small of a purse? That is complete garbage. At least if he had the ability to get sponsors, he could supplement that significantly. UFC is not a very good deal for a huge majority of the roster. If you suck and you’re a 100pound girl, then year the Reebok money and the $10k+$10k payments are decent pay. Any sort of legit athlete or high level MMA’ist is generally way underpaid.
I’d pick the UFC 10/10 Times first. Then if they cut me I can fall back to Bellator or the regional circuit and ask for more money because I have “UFC Vet” on my resume. If I go on a run outside the UFC I’ll have a better chance of getting back in... that’s IF they both called the same day. I’d never turn down a Bellator multi-fight deal on the off chance the UFC called.
I like this best, I reckon.
Couldn’t imagine getting punched in the face for a living, but would hate to have not tested myself against the very best in what I do, no matter the money.