Dana White breaks silence on UFC paydays, reveals payrise for UFC fighters as Conor Benn’s $15M Zuffa Boxing deal sparks debate

The issue of fighter pay in the UFC has once again come into focus after recent developments involving Zuffa Boxing. UFC president Dana White has been forced to address the topic publicly after reports claimed British boxer Conor Benn received a massive $15 million offer to join Zuffa Boxing. The reported deal raised questions among UFC fighters about their own earnings, especially as the promotion enters a new broadcast era with its partnership with Paramount Global.

The discussion gained further attention during the post-fight press conference of Zuffa Boxing 04. Several reporters questioned White about the growing difference between boxer payouts and what UFC fighters earn. While addressing the concern, White assured that fighter pay would continue to rise in the coming years.

Dana White responds to fighter pay criticism after Conor Benn deal

The debate intensified after reports claimed that Conor Benn was offered $15 million to fight under the Zuffa Boxing banner. At the Zuffa Boxing 04 post-fight press conference, Dana White addressed the growing concerns.

He explained that increasing athlete pay should always be seen as a positive step for the sport. According to White, when fighters earn more money, it only helps the industry grow. He added that fighter salaries in the UFC have steadily increased since the promotion began in 2001. With the organization recently securing a major television rights agreement, White said the financial future of fighters looks strong over the next seven years.

Several fighters have already spoken publicly about the topic. Former BMF champion Max Holloway recently encouraged UFC athletes to remain united when discussing fight payouts. Meanwhile, bantamweight star Sean O’Malley also voiced concerns about fighter compensation.

Former middleweight champion Israel Adesanya reacted to Benn’s reported deal in a video on his YouTube channel. He said that boxers are among the best fighters in the world, but UFC athletes also compete at the highest level. Adesanya added that if a fighter from the same company can earn $15 million for one bout, then UFC athletes should also be able to aim for similar paydays.

According to earlier reports, Zuffa Boxing plans to introduce a structured pay scale. Lower-ranked fighters could earn around $10,000, while top contenders and champions would receive higher payouts, with title defenders earning up to $750,000.

Meanwhile, Mark Shapiro stated that the rumors about Benn’s deal had been exaggerated. He clarified that Benn was only targeted for a single superfight in 2026 and that the partnership with SELA is responsible for funding the new boxing venture.