Ariel Helwani Reacts to Dana White's Comments on 'Wonderboy' Pay | The MMA Hour

[@Chris-tc2ez]

Dana trying to make Wonderboy look like the bad guy only further shows how much of a piece of crap he is. Stephen is the nicest, and most respectful guy on the roster.

[@ApocalypticSigns]

You seem about as sensitive as Ariel is.

[@imma5761]

So why wonderboy in last 2 or 3 years only wants to fight strikers? Why he doesnt fight anyone, beat them and earn title shot that, way? Why he pushed for couple of strikers that are in division, get a fight and then, not fight them? I support not awarding fighters who fail to make weight but wonderboy himself is very specific on who he wants to fight yet wanting to earn title shot that way. He is in noth right and wrong in this situation

[@blakelandon9572]

I think he was more pointing out how the media made the story out to be something it’s not. Wonder-boy never asked for his full purse. Stephen will be compensated for the cost of his camp and travel.

[@kylesawkon4074]

@@imma5761stop it lol

[@natedaniels9098]

Think about it…. They gonna pay wonderboy full payment for training and weight cut…. No! UFC Always takes care of they’re people! Other than Ariel😂 Francis😂 &Randy Catour! Boss of the fight game will take care of wonderboy y’all don’t worry Ariel fan club haters😂

[@cesmith0u812]

Stephen Thompson is always a class act.

[@applethunderspice3072]

Yea and Dana treats him that way no question about it.

[@arvinquazi788]

he would be if he beat burns. but instead he chose to wrestle burns so he lost lol. Mid fighter

[@sgbabyflex]

Class act but not worth the money .

[@djtheory313]

@@sgbabyflexhe’s worth every penny, the most exciting fighter to every step foot in the cage out of any organization, literally keeps you on the edge of your seat the entire fight.

[@tztezza]

@@djtheory313no he’s not..I always go have a bong when he’s fighting he’s rather boring

[@Dreaming-11]

Expecting the fighter to make 2 weight cuts in two weeks is insane, this destroys the body, Dana White becomes an absolutely bully when he is questioned anything about fighters money

[@tenacminotauro9541]

Odds are it would've been a catch weight.

[@User-ej7sd]

​@@tenacminotauro9541odds are, that's still unfair and wack

[@raiderjedi4160]

These guys should be fighting at their natural weight, cutting should be banned

[@gerardominchaca73]

Yeah thats why you fight anyways, 250 to show assuming you loose AND 20% of the win Money of Pereira .. thats a lot of Money

[@Dreaming-11]

@@raiderjedi4160 I agree, cutting weight makes no sense

[@mr.policeman6129]

The biggest problem here is that the guy who didn't make weight has a huge advantage. If you ever cut weight the last 2-3 pounds are brutal. If you lose the fight you go to the back of the line.

[@takoflame4948]

Hence their should be fines that go toward opponent that made weight. you come in over and have to pay opponent $$$

[@zoot8378]

​@@takoflame4948He's still missing out on half his pay if he loses to a guy who basically cheated. The fines are not enough

[@lkt4893]

​@@takoflame4948 Great idea but, we're talking about Dana White who is a narcissist no matter how great his business accumen.

[@JMTwistUp]

Yup

[@Jeremetrious]

That weight cut is rough for Wonderboy too. Especially at his age. Would really like to see more consequences for people who miss weight.

[@MassNonCooperation]

Dana should be mad at Pereira. Did he even scold the guy?

[@tobysmith2081]

Probably

[@macbook802]

Pereira should get the bare minimum as they're trying to give wonder boy. Then they should either release Pereira or force him up to the next weight class

[@DocYAYAYA]

if he cared he would cut Pereira... this isn't his first rodeo with missing weight

[@kartikraj1779]

Agreed, but Pereira isn't the one blaming the UFC right? That's why.

[@fezii9043]

​@@kartikraj1779Wonderboy never blamed the UFC. In fact, he was incredibly gracious and understanding in his post fight interviews, saying that the UFC has always been good to him and after Dana comes back from vacation they'll figure his pay situation out. I mean, imagine you telling your boss it's okay if he doesn't pay you yet because he's on vacation, NOBODY does that.

[@joet81]

The way that Dana is minimizing the fact that he missed weight by 3 lb, minimizing the fact of having to cut weight a second time in a few when they offer you a second fight, also the fact that he would be fighting a new opponent without having any time to train for him, all of this putting the fighter that made weight and met his contractual obligations at a disadvantage, is really frustrating and callous. That is penalizing the wrong person in the long run when they did nothing wrong at all.

[@caydenactiongaming7663]

Its so sad That Wonderboy has to get punished for Pereira missing weight, when in fact Stephen SHOWED up, Stephen made wieght, Stephen did all of his press obligations, and he gets punished for not taking the fight or a short notice fight. Especially with Danas stance on missing weight and Catch Weight. Pay that man his show money for expenses encured for tyraining camp travel and time. Shame on Dana

[@santiagosanchez4074]

@@8.24.you obviously are oblivious on how the fight game works. I’d like to see you train, prepare, and cut the weight only to have your opponent disrespect the process and get nothing in return. Wonderboy did his job and fulfilled his end of the agreement, not fighting was not his fault, it was on the other guy for missing the weight!

[@joealbarella2493]

100% the UFC will give Wonderboy plenty of money to pay for his camp & training... Personally I think 50k is fair but I agree that he shouldn't get $250k when he didn't actually fight. Let's just say Dana White & the UFC did give Wonderboy his ENTIRE show money (250k) then the NEXT time anyone misses weight they'll choose to turn the fight down & still get ALL off their show money ( they didnt get injured / had Zero chance of being hurt ) so then they'll turn around & fight again in 2-4weeks, earn their show money AGAIN plus possibly DOUBLE for winning. Dana & the UFC literally CAN NOT pay Thompson his Entire Show money because this wont be the Last time someone misses weight.

[@mizzarello]

​@joealbarella2493 based on what you say the percentage of the other fighters pay should be enough motivation to prevent a landslide of turning down catchweight fights. But that's not the case, because thats not actually incentive to fight a cheater.. It's more likely to put the punishment/pressure onto the fighter that misses weight. Which is what really needs to happen. They should honestly dock the fighterthat misses, to cover paying the full amount to the fighter that made. They really need to remove all possible benefit from not making a weight. Ultimately, It's 1 persons fault, so 1 person should be held accountable.

[@beauseigne8906]

Basically, UFC failed to give him a fight, thus breaking the contract. So Wonderboy is owned his show money.

[@mizzarello]

@@8.24. please explain how killing yourself training for 3 months on your own dime and then killing yourself to make weight. Just for your opponent to violate the contract and kill the fight is a handout? Seems like you've been huffing those ideological fumes so long your delusions are leeching into subjects that are completely unrelated.

[@wereone3480]

I think Dana White should have stepped in to fight Perreira. I’m sure he got paid more than everyone anyway.

[@uncleb7821]

Cry more.

[@matthewgee8122]

Too true. The guy who never takes a punch, never has to cut weight yet gets a massive bonus every month.

[@lovseaexploration]

Each ufc card ppv is $79 avg, 500,000 buys avg is $40mil plus the 3mil gate plus sponsorship and the billion dollar espn deal, wild how most of the well known ufc guys dont break the $500,000 mark

[@Jaham32712]

​@@uncleb7821hey bud, you aren't a billionaire, Dana would love to step on you too

[@Jaham32712]

@@adamhazza4090 a thing being the status quo does not make it good.

[@neverenoughguitars8276]

That last three pounds is massive! Not having to cut that last bit of weight can have a huge impact on your performance and stamina in the fight. Wonderboy made that sacrifice and the other guy didn't.

[@dannytran1587]

It could definitely be a massive physical advantage, especially because 2-3lbs over the limit would mean that he’s going to come in super heavy by fight day

[@Fitkid7672]

That's why they give up a percentage of their purse. That should be motivation to make the weight honestly. Maybe they should increase the percentage they forfeit.

[@joeharm8141]

Yeah the other guy missed weight before…calculated

[@ricoamordavila7496]

​@rootiyriddle636 suse you are not bright. Its not all about money short term if hes at a disadvantage, it could destroy his record with another loss and in the long run he could lose out on a bigger payday. You doofus

[@isaacm2374]

UFC literally strip belts for being 3 pounds overweight and now it doesn't mean anything.

[@Martdrew4]

The guy that asked him these questions needs a raise he asked like four good questions in a row

[@fezii9043]

Dana will probably ban him from coming to all future events, just like with Ariel lol

[@amirbahari2336]

That Charles Ollie comment made me agree with Ariel

[@ins0lvable]

Also if 3 pounds are not a big deal, then why Max nearly killed himself to fight Khabib for the title and the doctors had to pull him out of the card.

[@TPSDmike]

Don’t forget, Wonderboy helped promote the fight leading up to it. There was work done, cameras in his face, appearances etc.

[@robertpirsig5011]

Imagine the torture of trying to make weight. It causes serious stress to the human body not to mention a severe level of dehydration. It can be fatal in some instances. Now, imagine you've gone through that and your opponent hasn't bothered his ass and is perfectly healthy with a few pounds up. Its a massive advantage when you think about it. 100% behind Wonderboy

[@katelyn9182]

Agree. The people who say ‘it’s only 3 pounds’ do my head in 🤦🏼‍♀️

[@yourenotwrong3511]

Its only 3 pounds

[@zzz5173]

I don't agree with him not being paid, but at the end of the day. Weight cutting is a choice. If it's that hard they should fight at a more natural weight

[@robertpirsig5011]

@@zzz5173 What? Weight classes are there for a reason mate. You can't have middle weights fighting heavyweights etc etc. You have to make weight end of story

[@zzz5173]

@@robertpirsig5011 I'm not saying anything about weight classes, I'm saying choosing to cut weight so you have a height reach advantage etc is a choice. He could just fight at a more natural weight like middleweight

[@road2aesthetics242]

Man I love watching UFC Fights but sometimes the way the fighters get treated and slandered by the promotion makes me wish everyone would boycott them like everyone did with bud light until they got better pay. But I know that’s unfortunately unrealistic as hell

[@barney2165]

ONE

[@slicksilver9441]

​@barney2165 one has some banger fights too.

[@slicksilver9441]

​@@barney2165also steadily signing new talent

[@waynejohnson1786]

@@slicksilver9441 One has two of the best fighters on their rooster; Rodtang and Mighty Mouse.

[@cliptomaniac2562]

No it’s not, it just hard as hell and will most likely not help you but future fighters will benefit. The fighters have to realize that even though the fight each other, they are all on the same team

[@MassNonCooperation]

It’s very simple. Dana is all about the money in the business, and Ariel is defending the fighters.

[@fedgarr3657]

Funniest thing i've heard in a while. Ariel is nothing but a bitter 14-year old girlfriend in a 40-year old man's body who refuses to go away

[@kylesawkon4074]

@@fedgarr3657why would he go away when he’s making money lol

[@johnangelo75]

Not simple at all. Ariel is a snake 🐍

[@christopherjohnson7996]

I don't really understand Ariel's argument. Dana never said Wonderboy would get zero I'm pretty sure they cover his travel expenses and camp (like Dana says) and even suggests he gets something extra... so what ariel pay wonderboy 250K and then in a few weeks give him another full purse for another fight? Obviously Ariel would not run a profitable mma organization.

[@damian7509]

⁠@@christopherjohnson7996he hasn’t been paid yet dude

[@davidtrongnguyen]

I don’t understand why Dana couldn’t have just said “Wonderboy made weight, was ready to fight and was a professional. He’ll get his show money”… Seems so logical and rational 🫤

[@cliptomaniac2562]

Easy, Dana said no and saved the company 250k. And there’s no punishment for Dana or the UFC. That’s why they should unionize

[@52baldingindianjanitor72]

Nah why do that when you can give the Nelk boys 250k for no reason?

[@aimeenichole33]

I think it was Wonderboy's tweet asking that Dana hold everyone accountable for missing weight from now on - is what pissed Dana off. Gotta stand for something or you'll fall for everything. Good on WB. I pray he gets taken care of somehow, someway.

[@diplosoriano9898]

How do you not sue them for your show money? I don’t get what these contracts have

[@MDP673NJ1]

Ariel is 100% correct on this one...good point he makes when he mentions Charles was stripped for being .5 lb over...back up fighters get paid just for making weight...Dana is completely wrong on this one. A scumbag move

[@christopherjohnson7996]

I don't really understand Ariel's argument. Dana never said Wonderboy would get zero I'm pretty sure they cover his travel expenses and camp (like Dana says) and even suggests he gets something extra... so what ariel pay wonderboy 250K and then in a few weeks give him another full purse for another fight? Obviously Ariel would not run a profitable mma organization.

[@bhaveshchadha5047]

One thing people ignore in case of backup fighter is ,backup fighters don't get paid their show money but around 20k.

[@unforeseeableness]

IMO, the weight cut and training is harder than dealing with 15-25 minutes of actual fighting. Fighters have mentioned near death experience weight cuts.

[@MegaScumbucket]

Especially considering his age too. Why should he fight someone when it's not fair.

[@ramonbriones4487]

Then it's fair to say u have never gotten into a fight before

[@paulgal]

Well maybe they should all fight at their normal weight? I mean wouldn’t it make sense then surely the fights would be better? Nobody would be almost dead from cutting weight , more energy , strength etc.

[@unforeseeableness]

@ramonbriones4487 you looking for fights behind your keyboard doesn't count

[@Jaham32712]

​@@ramonbriones4487 safe to say you haven't had a fight camp 😂 nearly every pro fighter agrees the fight is the part they ENJOY compared to the cut and hard training, months away from their family sometimes

[@MaxiVera-p6m]

UFC really needs competition. Having a company ruled by crooked uncle fester is not good for the fighters. I wish they had another option.

[@malikak2661]

But when Ngannou tried to break the trend you all criticized him .

[@philippculture489]

@@malikak2661 some people even say if the UFC pays the fighters fair money it would ruin MMA. They are just dumb. Since when has competition made something weaker? A monopoly is what makes everything worse. And the UFC is using illegal methods to crack the competition. Fighters not even having paid health insurance by the UFC is just evil. UFC is run like an authocratic state. That has to end.

[@xrpbodyguard]

Dana never wants to pay his fighters correctly. These guys risk their lives every fight and get treated just like this. I think the fighters should all walk together in unity and negotiate what they actually deserve. Until then, they'll continue to get fkd over.

[@yogi2983]

Exactly, the fighters ARE the PRODUCT! and they keep getting no vaseline'd

[@christiancaballero2627]

Your rants againts Dana are the best thing in the world 😂😂😂

[@BigSlangVideo]

There getting boring

[@InbalGoldbe]

@@BigSlangVideo they're*

[@burnem94]

Pereria is a huge 170 too, dude would have to cut to make 185

[@killacakes]

Pereira 170?????

[@wwewrestlingbd8151]

​@@killacakesMitchell perera

[@Hellkite-er5pg]

Wait, once again Dana screws over another UFC fighter? Im not shocked.

[@thomaskent9818]

Can’t wait to see if we ever hear wonder boy tell us how happy he was with the UFC working things out with him

[@1Learn2Swim3]

I was really looking forward to that fight. I thought it had potential to be the fight of the night for the card.

[@arizonacolour8793]

100% and im sure a good 5-10% of PPV buys were just to watch WB or at least the most attractive fight for some folks.

[@dr.loomis4221]

Every fight has that potential

[@1Learn2Swim3]

@@dr.loomis4221 eVeRy fIgHt hAs ThAt pOtEnTiAl

[@fezii9043]

​@@arizonacolour8793and even then, wonderboy's name contributed to the card massively. It certainly pushed many people who would've otherwise been hesitant about purchasing the ppv or buying the tickets into going for it

[@ItsameAlex]

derick lewis flying knee was a worthy replacement

[@neverenoughguitars8276]

Another thing that isn't considered is Wonderboy's obligations and commitments after the fight was supposed to take place? Maybe he has a huge vacation paid for and planned for a week after the fight or is doing a scene in a movie or any number of things elite level fighters partake in outside of fighting.

[@cliptomaniac2562]

Not to mention the promotion bringing in ticket and PPV revenue. There is a percentage of fans that paid to watch Wonderboy that will not get their money back

[@daken5566]

The truly frustrating thing about this situation is that the UFC had $250k allocated to pay Wonderboy win or lose. Meaning they already had that penciled in as a cost, but now it’s not going through because of the opponent, how annoying.

[@matthewspokes4602]

"Nothing piss me off more than fighters not making weight" - Dana White

[@naor85]

Fighter who misses weight should pay a fee direct to fighter who’s on weight, not a % of purse if fight ends up happening. Compensate them for camp expenses + discourage missing weight

[@fezii9043]

Why not the UFC? They're the ones benefiting from using the names of these fighters, names that generate huge sums of money.

[@naor85]

good point. i assume its up to the individual fighters to negotiate that into their contracts tho@@fezii9043

[@LilMarine718]

happy to see the mma community agree on this one

[@Razear]

I think a more tenable solution here would be to take something like 80 or 90% of a guy's purse if they miss weight. This will greatly disincentivize fighters from disrespecting the rules.

[@nickh4676]

That would def deincentivize coming in overweight

[@billyin4c514]

I think fifty would suffice

[@412syndicate]

@@billyin4c514giving wonder boy another 50k to fight at a disadvantage isn’t fair. They should work on trying to change the contracts like Ariel said. But good luck with that as big of a bully Dana is. They should get there show money in a situation like this at least.

[@billyin4c514]

@@412syndicate I meant percent

[@fezii9043]

​@@billyin4c514even then, it's just not worth it for someone like Wonderboy. What would Pereira's show money even be, like 150k? Less probably. Even 100% of that isn't worth it for Stephan to lose all title aspirations and health at this age. If he has a fair fight, he has a fair chance at getting a title shot and winning ppv points, potentially millions of dollars. A measly 150k isn't worth that.

[@brentm9848]

It’s not the 3 pounds; it’s the effort and depletion avoided by his opponent by not having to do a full cut.

[@charlesdobronxcharlesdobro4660]

This kid just doesn’t want to fight

[@52baldingindianjanitor72]

"It's not a career, it's an opportunity"

[@charlesdobronxcharlesdobro4660]

@@52baldingindianjanitor72this isn’t Microsoft

[@1Learn2Swim3]

I don't think Wonderboy was scared to fight him

[@charlesdobronxcharlesdobro4660]

@@1Learn2Swim3Dana just shouldn’t of been on vacation and paid him more then just the small purse percentage to fight

[@1Learn2Swim3]

​@@charlesdobronxcharlesdobro4660I think Wonderboy asked to be compensated adequately to fight a guy who didn't make weight, and when the UFC refused, Wonderboy felt insulted and just called the fight off.

[@jasonwalter5873]

I also agree 100% this needs to be in the contract

[@Jaham32712]

Dana just wouldn't hire fighters that ask for this. The real solution, is Dana needs to go.

[@GalactusOG]

After what happened to Tony, never ever double weight cut. It ruined his career.

[@jsliick]

Dana is running the ufc as a business, he did nothing wrong. If wonderboy wants to get paid without fighting then yes put a clause in the contract. Other than that should every fighter get paid that loses a opponent? That is not a smart business move. Ariel always makes these personal smh this is a Business nothing more nothing less

[@Aterhallsam]

3 pounds sounds like nothing but everybody knows the last pounds are the hardest to lose. If you have to lose 20 pounds, the last 5 is as hard to lose as the first 15.

[@psaladin1]

Thank you for lending your voice to this issue, Ariel. Incredible breakdown.

[@patricknez7258]

Treating WB this way, imo, conveys the perception of whoever is responsible for making that decision. They don't see the UFC fighters as professional athletes, they seem as dumb, powerless fighters that better do what they're told. Or "rock'em sock'em robots." Exactly 💯

[@AngelRodriguezFritoLay]

Shameless by White. Wonder boy should have been at least paid his show money. 3 pounds before rehydration is like 12 on fight night.

[@garethlewis9180]

Preparing for one guy then has to fight another, cutting weight again within a few weeks, peeking at the right time to fight, Dana knows full well how unreasonable this is but he doesn't care. Everything Ariel just said Dana knows already but he still sells it like WB is the one being unreasonable

[@donnyjay6656]

He didn't show up and do the "job." He didn't fight. How could you expect full pay for an incomplete product? You sound like the USA women's soccer team.

[@scottallan7931]

He is asking for the show money. Not the total money including potential win bonus. He showed and made weight. The other fighter didn't. If I doesn't want to fight the guy who was unprofessional and didn't make weight He did his part

[@james2mify]

Dana questioning Wonderboy 's character... It's like an episode from the twilight zone.

[@leldnguyen2403]

1) i agree with ariel that wonderboy (or any other fighter in his situatiion) should get paid an x amount of money. 2) dana didn't paint wonderboy in a bad picture, he was just explaning the contractual facts and didn't mention wonderboy specifically. so ariel is just doing his usual hate thing towards dana. 3) the fighters need to get this wirtten in the contract, otherwise they're at the ufc's mercy afterwards. that's just how business work. get every possible scenarios in the contract.

[@SD-mi2vc]

Exactly i only two minutes in. And thats my take

[@GalactusOG]

Dana would try and gas light The Buddha for a couple bucks.

[@trenboloneytony7609]

Idk how you’re sitting here blaming Dana… you’re acting like it’s Dana’s fault that Periera missed weight… bro pay him $250k to show up? It’s not that they can’t afford it, it just sets a precedent that Dana doesn’t want… Your hatred towards Dana makes you blind to common sense bro…

[@untitled8005]

Why should UFC pay someone who, for whatever reason, is not fighting for them the same amount of money they'd pay him if they fought.

[@krav4421]

I love Ariel's passion when defending fighters. Nobody fights for fighters like Ariel, that's why we love him #beast

[@JD-df3zl]

His passion doesn't come out when he defends fighters. It does come out when he talks trash about Dana

[@krav4421]

@@JD-df3zl 😂😂 I know, it's funny when he's always nitpicking on Dana, but to be fair to Ariel, he does give Dana credit when he does something right, i.e. help the fighter and do "what's right" from an MMA purist perspective, as opposed to an MMA business perspective. Because most of the drama between fighters and the UFC comes down to business and finances vs the purity of the sport.

[@Jamie_Wilson]

I kinda agree with both Ariel AND Dana in all honesty. To be fair to the UFC, I kinda agree that if the COMMISSION is willing to let the fight go ahead on spite of one fighter missing weight (as in they are satisfied the extra weight is still safe to be allowed) then you as the "on weight" person have to decide whether to fight or not personally. But at that point, it's on you not the UFC. They are a business, and regardless of if they "can afford it" why should they pay out for fights that never happened, IF they COULD have still happened. Its not the UFCs fault Pereira missed weight, no different to it not being Wonderboy's fault. But like I say... If the fight still CAN go ahead then its upto Wonderboy not the UFC at that point, so why should he automatically get paid no question. Now what Ariel says... Absolutely this sort of situation HAS to be in the contract, setting out SPECIFICALLY what happens in this instance. Like Wonderboy's contract having specific wording such as... "in the event of your opponent missing weight, you get 25% of their purse. If your opponent misses weight by >3lbs, you can refuse the fight but will be capped at 50% of your show money and not receive any of opponents fight purse, or choose to fight and get 30% of opponents purse on top of your own. If weight miss is >5lbs you can refuse the fight and receive 100% of show money only, or take the fight still and get own pay plus 50% of opponents purse on top" Some stuff like that, like SPECIFIC numbers and percentages for SPECIFIC situations. But it benefits the UFC to keep this vague so they can weigh ip the actual cost of paying out for no fights. Like they said, if its a 10&10 contract, just oay out. But paying Wonderboy's purse at £250k potentially, when they get no return... or they can not pay him, rebook him and get a fight out of the purse still... Business basics really, they know what they're doing

[@alan8887]

So fighters show up at the specified weight both fighters signed contracts for and Wonderboy is on weight and his opponent isn't . Wonderboy fulfilled his part of the contract and his opponent didn't and Wonderboy doesn't get paid for showing? That would be my last day fighting for the U.F.C.. I also wonder what every other fighter on the U.F.C. roster thinks of Dana not paying Wonderboy?

[@schism6976]

Didn't the other dude miss weight before this one? So messed up

[@JanoyCresva]

So you think if he signs a $1m 4 fight deal and all his opponents weigh over he should get the whole contract and not fight a single time? Thats absurd.

[@chefNasty00]

And that's why you're just commenting on the whole thing & not in the position Wonderboy is in, because you wouldn't show lmfao. You don't show (which means follow through on the actual fight, not the weight scales) then you don't get paid to fight. I don't see how Dana publicly stating that they tried to make the fight happen & that they reimburse fighters for the cost of their camp in this position is in any way shape or form a negative thing on his part...

[@alan8887]

@@JanoyCresva So instead of focussing on what happened to Wonderboy you propose what happens if he has a four fight deal with no one making weight? Let me propose your boss asks you to do something and you do everything he asks. Then a co worker who was asked to do the same thing doesn't and your boss decides not to pay either of you. How would you like that my friend? Not on iota yet you take Dana the bosses side on this. Hmmm

[@Crob9]

I see why Dana hates Ariel 🤣🤣

[@peekos]

I don't even have to watch this to know that Ariel will somehow find a way to blame Dana for not wanting to pay $250,000 to someone for not fighting. For the record, I do think they should pay wonderboy some money, but not his whole show money which is $250,000.

[@takoflame4948]

Ask Ariel if he would pay New York Ric for just showing up

[@Martin-ls9bz]

Whatever it is it should just be on the contract, and not depend on Dana having a good day and deciding to give you some money

[@ItsameAlex]

I disagree, they should pay him all of it. Otherwise it will incentivise fighters to miss weight.

[@acidxero]

Such a pointless rant. I'm not a big fan of Dana, but it literally seems like you're simply not listening to what is being said and getting upset based upon that inaccurate/mistaken point of view.

[@dblocknyc]

BOTH sides have valid points I can see. For Wonderboy, he agreed to a specific fighter on a specific Date and made weight. From the UFC POV, their wasn't a fight so we can't pay you for a fight that didn't happen and we didnt cause Michel to miss weight. So you can take the 5-10K from his purse and fight OR if that doesnt work...we got another worthy fight for you in 2 weeks. No & No? Okay we tried. If being unbias and looking at it from both POV's, that's how I see it and MOST importantly the UFC can NOT set the precedent or paying guys uto half or full purses if the opponent fuxks up on his own. They just can't do that, it has to be on a case by case basis how they handle that if the business s going thrive.

[@pilfamilypf9815]

You crying on National tv will NEVER go away from social media Ariel 🤫

[@reekhavoc2932]

Basically Wonderboy would have gotten paid if he approached dana differently 😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@petermatthews2831]

Nahh man wouldn't have made a difference, bosses are brutal

[@eh298]

is he really hurting? you might be. lmao

[@noshttaken]

Basically wonderboy would have got paid if the fighters were unionized.

[@robthebarbarian]

Nothing New Here, Dana Always Changes The Narrative On Fighter's Pay To Make The Fighters Look Bad.😒

[@noahgliha686]

Areil after crying for 11 minutes about something not in writing: “you cant cry about it if its not in writing”

[@theemperor4901]

We stand with Wonderboy!

[@ninjaninja9954]

You can't give him 250k because the fight not happening means the ufc didnt make that part of the revenue. Yes the ufc is rich and can afford 250k but then that would set a precedent and everyone will be asking for it when their opponent misses weight. Conor got paid 3mil against diaz. If diaz didn't make weight and conor doesn’t want to fight then how are the ufc going to pay him the full amount if the main event doesn’t go ahead?

[@bestlist6578]

bad look for Uncle Dana to not cut off a piece for a class act figher that never complains and did make weight for the fight

[@saranbrett60]

Still find it funny how Ariel has a Nottingham forest badge on his Laptop

[@punchline9111]

A true supporter 🌳

[@NicolasDalby-g3g]

Aerial is starting to get annoying. It’s the UFC’s business, they can choose not to pay or pay someone if their fight is cancelled. And let’s be real it was 3lbs. He should have fought. Aerial sounds like a tyrant dictator. Trying to force ppl to run their business the way he wants it ran. Wtf?

[@SD-mi2vc]

Hes a leftist what did you expect

[@eric_tha_ric]

The “Wonderboy Clause”

[@EnigmaMaster]

I dont see the issue, WB was contracted to fight at 291 , WB didnt fight at 291. Why should he be paid. Regardless of who he signed to fight, he signed to fight at that event and didnt. Reimbursement for his travel and fight camp seems fair. With how often people miss weight , why set a precedent where fighters will just not fight if an opponent doesnt make weight , cause then why would anyone bother to fight if their opponent missed weight if they would just get paid anyways. Ariel doesnt seem to understand the ramifications of just paying fighters for choosing not to fight someone who misses weight.

[@ChazEdgar-ik9fr]

Aerial, I've got mad respect for how your always taking up for the fighters, and you give a true, behind the scenes honest and factual explanation that allows us without your access and knowledge, to get the whole story and have a far greater appreciate and understanding for the fighter (s), and even though you've been treated horribly over such things many times over the years, you've only grown your brand, and I've watched how numerous fighters have taken and either continued or began to appreciate the hell out of you for allowing them a platform to speak there sides of the story etc etc. Much respect my brother! You are and will go down as the MMA goat, for your outstanding journalism and broadcasting skills and professionalism l! I truly believe one day Dana and the brothers Will have no fn choice but to induct you into the UFC Hall of Fame! I bet the farm on it! Keep up the awesomeness brother. In case no one tells you enough, your much appreciated, and enjoyed. Thank you for all you do my friend!

[@shaunrichards4821]

You could call Ariel anything you want but ariel is a good man idc what anyone says he has a voice for fighters

[@Jaham32712]

He used to be quite an instigator, but he has certainly taken on a very protective role to fighters (if only to spite Dana lol 😂)

[@RandM83]

Definition of Ariel: The annoying brat at school that sticks his finger in your face and says "neener neener, im not touching you" gets beat up and says he didnt do anything

[@MiamiRealEstateAgent]

Last 3 pounds are the hardest to lose. If any fighter ever missed weight, ever had any health issues cutting weight, and/or experienced horrible symptoms like vomiting, fainting, nausea, and/or extreme fatigue... it's always within those last 3 pounds. You can not dismiss that. If a fighter missed weight by 3 pounds or more, he should be obligated to give 80% of his purse to his opponent and still fight. If he then chooses not to fight, then he's out of the UFC. Make the consequences hefty. People will fall in line.

[@sstech5410]

I’m with Dane on this one

[@roycemorales3924]

Missed weight should be 80% of the purse

[@achilles8936]

Ariel trying to flip his narrative after Hill 10-6d him

[@_i_am_unceded]

Uh ..no

[@adamlake8361]

Sorry but he didn’t fight so you don’t get paid! Pretty simple, don’t fight and don’t get paid doesn’t matter if he made weight and other guy didn’t! He shouldn’t have been a baby over 3lbs! Y’all act like 3lbs is soooo much of a difference! Bottom line is a 130lb guy could knock out or beat up 170lb and we all know this. Just get over it already he should have fought the dude or took whoever else they offered him!

[@michaelfranzese4975]

Arguments can be made from both sides. It basically boils down to morals vs business, and I can assure you that the latter wins 99.9% of the time. This is one of those quintessential "it's business, not personal" moments. As somebody in business, I agree with Dana. As somebody that has gotten hosed by somebody else not holding up their end of the deal, I agree with Wonder Boy. Although, I do think Dana has a massive amount of respect for Thompson and they'll come to a understanding financially. It just certainly won't be made public..

[@hikedeco9749]

More reason why fighter advocates are badly needed

[@djLagwayEnjoyer]

If it’s not personal why is Dana making snide remarks towards wonder boy? Everything is personal with Dana, there is no separation between personal life and business with him

[@michaelfranzese4975]

@@djLagwayEnjoyer You actually have a solid point.

[@allhaildrewzavic2838]

This is why ONE Championship is better. UFC is a marketing company not a fight company. Shout out to Francis and Mighty Mouse for getting out when they did.

[@AstroTrain100]

It's sickening the way Dana twists the truth to always make him and the UFC look like the victims.

[@luisvasquez7406]

Totally agree, why strip olivera then , UFC sounds like crookery if Dana accepts someone over 3 pounds overweight,

[@thenedsmmachannel8970]

Ariel wont end his fued with Dana but when Hill has reciepts.... crickets from Helwani

[@420MrReefer]

That is a good point the UFC would have at least everyone's show money accounted for already

[@Jordomac]

2023, the year of Dana just being a straight up heel. He's been a scumbag forever but now he's just shamelessly flaunting his lack of integrity. He must've felt encouraged since literally nothing happened to him when he clobbered his wife. He literally admitted that he's too rich and powerful to be punished for it. UFC is gross now

[@jordanrattanavong2655]

I see both sides to this argument. I’m not sure if Ariel is able to see anything but his own.

[@iammusikk100]

Who painted wonderboy as a bad guy? Dana just said what it was. Ariel will find a way to make Dana look like the villain

[@trenboloneytony7609]

100% it never fails

[@flyguy7825]

He’s saying that one boy just got ripped off by Dana White like Dana White loves to rip all fighters in their money this isn’t the first time and it certainly ain’t gonna be the last that people are having problems with Dana White when it comes to getting 💵💵

[@noshttaken]

Who makes it what it is? What is with todays culture and worshiping power and the elites. Wonderboy did his job, he js the labor and the talent, he trained. Ariel shares the grievances of the working man aka the fighter, not the rich company. The company has plenty of money to pay em and the fact that Ariel points that out and it offends the boot lickers is hilarious.

[@davidmaloney3587]

Nothing Ariel just said made any sense whatsoever.

[@albsure4832]

People need to understand that dana has a business to run. He isnt gonna broadcast to all the fighters that if your opponent misses weight you are gonna get half your purse. He will take care of wonderboy behind the scenes. Of course he wants to keep pressure on the fighters to fight if the opponent misses weight. He already has to fight all the other reasons people have to miss a fight he sure isnt gonna give up the ability to fight back on the ones he can sort of control. He wants the fans to see the fights that they pay to see. This is just another opportunity for ariel to crap on dana… but he doesnt realize dana will blast him at some point and ill be watching and laughing because dana is the man.

[@briangriffith4574]

What a bunch of delusional statements based on nothing

[@albsure4832]

@@briangriffith4574 nah you just lack critical thinking.

[@christophermancini7334]

Dana, mick and Sean never had to cut weight and have never fought. That’s why they’re like this. Typical pencil pushers

[@BeKindGoVegan.]

Dana being Dana.

[@fedgarr3657]

he was actually being quite fair and holistic about it all given the situation. you gotta be fair when you gotta be fair like a man

[@anasshahid224]

Wonderboy is a humble, respectful guy, sad to see him being made to look like a bad guy by Dana White 😔

[@HoldenChandler]

You are awesome great great commentary and you are correct

[@johnware6272]

I have never agreed with Ariel more.

[@dreadkage6630]

Here Ariel goes again, taking things personal

[@kylephillips8243]

how the f is he taking this personal?

[@takoflame4948]

For the views baby. Uncle Ariel got kids to send to harvard

[@flyguy7825]

No he is not Dana White loves ripping off fighters and make sure the house wins.Stop it man he’s pointing out that this dude continues to rip fighters off and fighters continue to say yes masta.

[@Crispy44652]

I swear some of y’all are paid by the UFC to comment. How does Uncle Dana’s boots taste? How is he calling out the promotion taking it personal? I don’t agree with Ariel on everything, but he is clearly an advocate for fighter wages. He’s not wrong.

[@eh298]

@@takoflame4948 *his nose has to send to kids to harvard.

[@ManOnMars5]

The UFC is such a money-hungry machine. The fighters are putting their lives at risk and they should be paid handsomely for this.

[@Youssef-hd5bl]

people saying wonderboy should get paid for not fighting is crazy, if that was anybody else or someone they don't like they will be all sh.tting on him, enough wondergirls, he chose not to fight meaning he's not getting any money, let's move on.

[@reekhavoc2932]

If it was Woodley 😂😂😂 these fanatics would be team dana

[@Rasputin.Bogard]

It's called show money. He showed. Post fight win money is separate. If it was called fight money and also win money you may have a point. You don't.

[@Youssef-hd5bl]

@@Rasputin.Bogard there's not such thing as post fight win money, it's show up money, meaning showing up in the octogan. stop twisting up words

[@10use]

33% loss of purse per pound over would be nice

[@syedfawaz8090]

Looks like Ariel's life revolves around Dana considering how much he hates him lol

[@MrNava001]

Sometimes Ariel is too much but damn his 100% on this one, sucks for wonder boy.

[@Bugin1967]

It’s Dana Whites Job to make Dana feel like the Boss 😂 bottom line is Wonderboy made weight and his challenger failed by a lot and Wonderboy is not obligated to fight at a catch weight it’s not fair to Wonderboy period

[@xiaobao4757]

Ariel you should pay the athletes you interview a percentage of your KZbin and sponsor money based on how many views you/they get.

[@amann24]

He’s rebutted this sort of comment before btw

[@xiaobao4757]

@amann24 Of course he did. He just want to spend other people's money.

[@lkt4893]

Fair or not, that's not how this works in 99% of KZbin creators.

[@bonnymathebula007]

I get both side, but UFC can’t pay 250k to someone who didn’t fight. Just to train & cut weight. They should pay for his camp expenses at least. People will do this often if allowed. Turn down the fight & get your money, then fight again next month.

[@SD-mi2vc]

Thats what dana offered

[@nafisfuad778]

Jamal Hill invited you to his podcast, Let's see if you have the balls to show up Ariel