Joe Rogan Critiques UFC Fighter Pay Amid Ongoing Controversy

Joe Rogan and Ronda Rousey have united in their criticism of UFC fighter pay, emphasizing that the organization still has significant improvements to make in this area. Their alliance comes amidst ongoing scrutiny of the UFC's compensation practices, particularly after the promotion settled a $375 million class-action lawsuit last year.

Rogan recently advised Rico Verhoeven, a former GLORY kickboxing champion, to focus on boxing rather than transitioning to mixed martial arts, citing better financial prospects in boxing. He noted that Verhoeven's potential earnings would be maximized by remaining in the boxing arena, especially with the backing of Eddie Hearn's Matchroom.

The discussion around fighter pay has intensified, especially in light of the lucrative deals available in boxing. Rogan pointed out that while UFC payouts have improved, they still lag behind those in boxing, particularly when considering the win bonus structure, which he believes unfairly penalizes fighters based on judges' decisions. This ongoing debate highlights the financial challenges faced by UFC fighters compared to their boxing counterparts.