Sterling, Mitrione, Kennedy, Schaub among fighters disappointed in Reebok deal
The UFC finally released the pay structure for their exclusive sponsorship deal with Reebok on Wednesday, and it did not favor the young lions of the promotion.
Originally, the Reebok payouts were going to be based on the fighter's position in the UFC's official rankings, but plans were changed and the fighters will now be financially rewarded based on tenure.
Here is what Reebok will be paying UFC fighters for wearing Reebok gear inside the octagon. #UFC pic.twitter.com/Glpp01IGLW
— Danny Segura (@DannySeguraTV) May 6, 2015
This is all fine and dandy for grizzled veterans, but for relative neophytes - like rising bantamweight prospect Aljamain Sterling - the new deal doesn't replace the money they made from multiple sponsors.
I understand the reasoning given for the Reebok deal, but the deal has to make sense for at least 80% of the fighters in regards to tiers
— Aljamain Sterling (@FunkMaster_UFC) May 6, 2015
For me, I barely got any sponsorship money, but Im ok w/not whoring myself out to 6-7 companies to look NASCAR. New system= half my earnings
— Aljamain Sterling (@FunkMaster_UFC) May 6, 2015
@SBNLukeThomas no. Just no. Not what I'm saying at all. I'm 3 fights in and will make half the $$ I get now, which is already crap.
— Aljamain Sterling (@FunkMaster_UFC) May 6, 2015
Currently sporting a spotless 3-0 record in the Octagon, Sterling would only make $2,500 from Reebok for his next fight despite being the ninth-ranked 135-pounder in the UFC.
Sterling wasn't the only fighter left with a sour taste in his mouth following the UFC's announcement.
Dear @ufc
Am I to understand that for my exclusive apparel sponsorship I'll make $2,500?
I'll pass. Thanks for the generous offer.
#reebok
— Tim Kennedy (@TimKennedyMMA) May 6, 2015
I've made six figures in sponsorship in each of my last 6 fights ? https://t.co/gotToaSDJh
— Brendan Schaub (@BrendanSchaub) May 6, 2015
Congrats @Reebok, you got the deal of the century. Unfortunately, it was at the cost of the fighters. Hope the bad press is worth it. @ufc
— Matt Mitrione (@mattmitrione) May 6, 2015
Wow 2500$ for my next fight for reebok sponsorship. ....i mad twice that off 1 sponsor my last fight!!!! Sucks!
— Roger Narvaez (@Silverback316) May 6, 2015