LUKE THOMAS: UFC 300's $300,000 Bonuses Are Great, But...

[@jasoncorey]

It was quite hard and sad to watch all the fighters chanting Dana Dana Dana for throwing the starving dogs a bone.

[@cliptomaniac2562]

It’s gross.

[@michaelpryor78]

It is, but at a certain point you have to take a step back and let the fighters do their thing. I'm like Luke. This has become a non-issue for me since the settlement. Most guys seem very content with their pay, so I see no reason why I shouldn't respect that. Sure, some will tell you how broke they are or how they're waiting tables on the side to keep the lights on, but none of them actually try to band together and do something about it. I wish the system was different, but there's something wrong about me caring more about fighter pay than the actual fighters do.

[@gilbertoflores7397]

How exactly are they staving dogs? Most of the guys on stage were champions, they were the better compensated fighters in the organization with the most bonuses. They get paid more than most regular boxers, the the exception of the few handful of boxers get those ridiculous paydays. Its ridiculous to comprehend their pay to NBA and NFL contracts; when they don't have the same level of attention.

[@JamelNasser]

I also found that kind of hard to watch

[@LutherSkywalker-kj8rj]

Why was that hard to watch? Obviously the fighters are pumped up about it. There are other fighting organizations that pay more money, yet generally the best fighters still come to the ufc and make good money. I don’t get why people are giving Dana crap.

[@wheelchazeal8089]

Dana has lost more than that in one night of gambling.

[@justinr6439]

Oh no....he spends his money how he wants....cry more

[@Beebalabeeba]

The person who mows your lawn deserves a raise

[@bartonstink]

You DO realize that Dana doesn’t pay the fighters with his own money….right?

[@josephedwards5290]

You realize Dana is an employee of the UFC, right?

[@drewdrewson1384]

the ufc is a publicly traded company and you think the companies president pays the talent with his own personal money lmao

[@mrj5202]

It's the pizza party of the ufc. 4 people get a one time bonus and no one in the entire company gets a raise

[@queefingbeauty]

......and that company still pays far more than any other company, by a large margin. Sometimes its good to appreciate what you have.

[@zephyrleapold6796]

Exactly, it's a pizza party on Friday, and Luke is the guy in the corner with his arms folded yelling that the company could've taken them to Italy with their profits.

[@Beebalabeeba]

@@zephyrleapold6796 100%

[@cripnamedblood]

​@@queefingbeautyyea it's a called a monopoly, you clearly aren't familiar with the board game or this check left hook 👊🏻

[@queefingbeauty]

@@cripnamedblood Cringe

[@jeezusjr]

Luke is absolutely correct, and this is why I love his commentary. Fighters should not get their faces bashed in without having full medical coverage and ample compensation, especially if the promoter is making billions.

[@colbymclemore7642]

If Bo gets a 300k bonus I will lose my fucking mind.

[@dark_winter8238]

Did not even think about that. I will be right there with you.

[@MichaelBeale]

what if he deserves it, even when the competition level of his opponent is accounted for?!

[@abihamal7874]

Bro should give Dana some money back for that performance

[@fudgecake6]

I knew when Dana announced the 300k bonuses Luke would have a video about it. Completely agree with Luke, it was hilarious how excited the fighters were about the 300k but crickets about the lawsuit that would have actually made some serious change. Fighters are so conditioned by the UFC its laughable. But yea, if the fighters dont give a shit about fighting for their rights then nobody else should care either.

[@cliptomaniac2562]

That’s not true. We should still care about doing the right thing

[@GrahamBarth]

@@cliptomaniac2562 You can lead a horse to water, but if you can't make it drink, and if it kicks you in the face every time you try, stop agonizing over it. Let it do its own thing.

[@cliptomaniac2562]

@@GrahamBarth tell that to your dog that just ate a bunch of chocolate.

[@GrahamBarth]

@@cliptomaniac2562 Yeah, best not to continue that analogy, man. I'm directly responsible for my dog, and if he eats chocolate it's absolutely, 100% my fault. These fighters aren't my responsibility. I'll happily advocate for them, but if they tell me to heck off and they prefer groveling for pennies and bonuses, that's their life to live. It's stupid, but it is what it is. Save your time for people who won't shun your advocacy.

[@rdizzy1]

It's like a pack of fighting dogs killing each other over a chicken bone, ignoring the flock of 10 billion chickens right over on the other side of the fence because they fear the owners taking away their chicken bone. Brainwashed like a beaten dog.

[@SirUnaiEmery]

After the fighters settled I dont care anymore

[@T1tusCr0w]

Facts man. It’s a big letdown after I went life & death in tons of comment sections trying to defend their right to the same share as baseball & basketball. 😔

[@sat8959]

Yep, this is the key right here. They don't care. I don't care. Lie in the bed you've made.

[@TB-bj4dq]

It's not that simple. I feel you and I was mad disappointed that they settled this early for so little but it would have taken even more YEARS for the process to continue. Also fighters literally have everything stacked against them, there is definitely a level of individual blame on the fighters as to why there isn't a union in MMA but there's multiple other factors unfortunately.

[@Beebalabeeba]

You never should have

[@Bust_A_Nut_bar]

@@Beebalabeeba 💯

[@felixooppaaa5080]

This is a problem with American workers in general. They are fine receiving scraps.

[@SomeBlackGuy]

100%

[@PiceaSitchensis]

Yes. The labor movement is gone, it's a sick joke.

[@bdux9]

Why do you think the border is wide open???let the poor in and they will be thankful for scraps!!

[@MojoMoneyMajor]

Everyone got mad when I said it last time but as a REAL American this is FACTS! To go even further its all rooted in slavery but folks REALLY not trynna open them can of worms😂😂😂

[@MojoMoneyMajor]

​@bdux9 it's many factors but you could say that for every immigrant group after the civil war if you really want to get technical 😏

[@manegmutt5726]

This is just one reason why the UFC will be studied at numerous business schools in the future: They're purchasing public sentiment and fervent defense for literal pennies on the dollar, all while washing their hands of any potential reverberations relating to the settlement / fighter pay scrutiny. Don't hate the playa I guess?

[@Joes35]

Lol this is the American capitalist system that has been taught in American business schools for decades now.

[@terronkinsman2668]

It's like your parents giving u a computer, they were throwing away, but got to pawn as a gift instead 🎁

[@le3336]

U should hate some individuals tho

[@le3336]

Twitter is full of crazies & simpletons

[@Joes35]

Never been to business school? This is the system as it was designed

[@thesatisfiedcustomer4869]

as if Dana decided on the spot to do $300K, Mike Bohn from MMA Junkie asked the question FFS. It was already decided clearly, the Press Conference was just the moment when it was announced. Ludicrious.

[@loopvil369]

We got a tin foil hat over here

[@DESOUSAB]

@@loopvil369 I once worked for a large PR agency that was diversifying it's consultancy offerings prior to the Great Recession. The planned roll out of info using PR connections within the media is standard practice - NOT tin foil hattery. I've seen entire pieces, written by our PR team on behalf of a client, end up on the nightly news - f'ing word-for-word. The News (more accurately, Infotainment) is constantly starving for cheap "content" and PR agencies are eager to provide. Wake up, dude. The question was a gift from the UFC to a lapdog. It happens much more often than you think.

[@FightSportTalk]

@@loopvil369it’s not completely ludicrous, MMA Junkie occasionally ask critical questions to Dana, most of the time they are good boys with him.

[@MrTheLuckyshot]

Just some perspective: The Rock got 9 million for WM 40. Same parent company. (Oh, and btw, it didn't cost 90 fucking dollars to watch WM legally.)

[@Beebalabeeba]

Well considering they sold over 200,000 tickets and a million ppvs id say he makes less than a ufc main event if they did the same numbers

[@MrTheLuckyshot]

Bullcrap. UFC is constantly bragging about about setting attendance records and gate records, including at major venues like MSG. And I'm pretty sure 100-200k ppv buys at 90 a pop is a pretty penny.

[@Beebalabeeba]

@@MrTheLuckyshot I’m sure selling out a stadium two nights in a row and selling a million ppvs is worth more than 9million dollars because that’s technically 4.5 million for each night that he was contracted to be there

[@Beebalabeeba]

They made over 30 million off the gate alone

[@olbapoli4074]

And? Both are different things. Plus the rock brings ALOT to the table. Not like he is a new wrestler in the scene.

[@brandonnewell4081]

The "YES" and "NO" bit was hilarious, but also sad because this is how you must explain nuanced opinion to most people anymore.

[@Joes35]

More like pretentious. Luke lives in a fantasy land where ufc hands revenue over to the athlete because they have it.

[@brandonnewell4081]

@@Joes35 lol

[@alankochan]

​@@Joes35If team sport leagues can afford to pay out a higher percentage, especially when bench warmers in ball sports are earning more than fighters, it's a real issue. MMA is one of the fastest growing sports globally, which is great since ball sports are generally really boring.

[@Joes35]

@@alankochanthat’s your opinion and it’s not shared by the majority of people on this planet. Lol you don’t seem cool if you don’t like non combat sports, I’m sorry, you seem like a tool. You have no understanding of how these sports leagues got to that point. Unionization, multiple strikes, decades. The sports leagues didn’t just say” you guys want more? Here you go!”

[@Joes35]

@@alankochanlol just say you have no understanding of real life kid. Those sports leagues have been around for decades. The players have unionized, gone on strike and fought for their rights over decades of time. These leagues are 75-100 years old. Lol you’re so cool dude, you thinks sports are boring. So tough and intellectual bro. More like you’re an unathletic dweeb that was picked last every time

[@roidster4401]

Gaethje actually wanted 100k bonuses cause he thought 300k was too much 🤣

[@stephenreid6686]

He already makes enough😂

[@mastersplinter666]

And he's braindead

[@Lockdown335]

CTE

[@ericswag8465]

​@@Lockdown335"i am here to make sure the fighters get paid more, but if they disagree with me I will say they have brain damage" Average luke thomas fan

[@dinkin_flicka14]

When you are enslaved and brainwashed, you settle for crumbs

[@thexbigxgreen]

Just to put it in context, Dana White, an employee of the UFC, randomly gave away $250K... to a fucking Nelk Boy. If he can afford this random act of generosity, imagine what a drop in the bucket it is for a multi-billion dollar company? Not even to mention the fact that these fighters are the ones who are responsible for generating that money in the first place!

[@dr.evil2some847]

False, they could not generate that money without the production behind them... And the ones that do help to generate said money, are all payed well... Ur argument is a nothing burger...

[@jonasjorgensen8759]

​@@dr.evil2some847i agree that UFC the promotion is a big part. Look at ppv for francis' last ufc fight Vs his boxing ppv. However, the stars are also underpaid. Look at how little conor has earned with ufc if you remove the mayweather fight

[@bruisersdilemma354]

Just to put it in context...It's Dana's money to do what he pleases. If he wants to give it to another celebrity or some bum on the corner, it's up to him, not me, not you ya socialist hack..Just pay attention to the massive tax bill you're getting hit with every time you earn a paycheck, go out to eat, or buy a house. I am and it pisses me off that leftists, feel good fucking hacks have run this country into the ground through taxation and will continue to do so...

[@AfroViking300]

We're all heard bro you sound like a broken record lol. Its not your money to dictate. You probably don't even have 50k saved up yourself.

[@sarcasticgenius8563]

​@dr.evil2some847 Ahh yes, the production, the main driving force of the UFC's revenue. Called dude's comment a nothing burger but this comment (and your comment history) tells me you're barely capable of flipping burgers

[@rooruffneck]

Seems like a fuck ton of people believe that Dana hadn't already decided to do the 300,000. Dana LOVES it when people think these moments are just spontaneous reactions.

[@folu12]

IMAGINE all the fighters on that stage for UFC 300 got together, and emailed the UFC in 1 hour, that none of them will fight, unless fighter pay for the whole roster is AT LEAST discussed.... Guys, the UFC would cave into the pressure soo fucking quickly.

[@johndavis48076]

Yep has to be a UFC 300 PPV stacked card. Apex card gets cut doing that.

[@cliptomaniac2562]

Unfortunately I believe that’s not true. If the fighters did that, The UFC would scrap the card, eat the loses, the sponsorship and TV money stabilizes the revenue big time so they are still making money without the PPV events. They would fire and sue every fighter on the card, scare the piss out of every other fighter on the roster then in 2-4weeks, reschedule UFC 300 with all new fighters. The entire roster has to boycott or it doesn’t work. I don’t think it would get that far though. I honestly think they would throw 3-5 million to each fighter extra to fight, the fighter would fight and then the UFC would fire and sue them afterwards.

[@folu12]

@@cliptomaniac2562 You have a good point but I think you are missing the PR disaster it was would cause to the UFC's brand and stock price with TKO or whatever they trade by. The UFC has diligently created an environment around and in the UFC where everyone has to toe the party line. The media going to UFC events don't focus on fighter pay anymore, fighters themselves do not publically talk about it and all for good reason.. The UFC has a monopoly in the MMA space and if you get blackballed by the UFC, its not a great look career wise. So, if after ALLLL the media hype the UFC have pumped into this card for the last 6 months, and all sponsors, broadcasters etc etc have put all of their best people and attention to this card.... It cannot flop or be postponed. It will have a serious impact on their existing relationships because their partners and sponsors WILL most definitely ask [1] What did they do to solve the fighter pay strike at UFC 300? and [2] What will they do to prevent it ever happening again? If the answer to both of those do not satisy their partners and sponsors and board.... The ship gets dicey for the UFC. It has too. No blue chip brand, can take such a hit on such a big card. Look at Boxings biggest cards, when/if people fail drug tests or can't make fights within 4-6 weeks of the fight, they get a replacement. There is no "kicking the can down the road" for top stars. This card is the perfect opportunity IMO and listen... The UFC is a product but so are the athletes. The UFC is not suing 20+ of their fighters, when they still hold value to the UFC and their product. Don't forget, the UFC has put money into their fighters already on the roaster in terms of media, medical, sponsors (as shitty as they are) so they are not looking to blackball their own product. Who the hell will watch the UFC if half the roaster is shelved until the pay dispute is sorted? I'm not watching anyone without a ranking, let a lone a name. But I see your point, the UFC are unstoppable and if they wanted to threated the whole UFC 300 card, they most certainly have the resources to do so. But is it a smart move for a blue chip brand? Doubt it. Even for a guy like Dana who is all about free speech. Dude will have to eat a slice of humble pie in this scenario. Like they've literally just beat a lawsuit that could have changed the company, why reignite that flame but suing all their fighters. Most of them are probably on contracts that haven't been amended after the lawsuit to not speak about fighter pay...

[@MojoMoneyMajor]

Ufc fighters aren't intelligent enough to organize like that

[@justin3441]

Someone tried that once and pretty sure they got sued and cant remember who though

[@christophermolina8820]

The worst part of $300k bonuses: EVERY single post-fight interview will turn into the fighters begging Dana for money.

[@ZackBackpackingAroundTheWorld]

I would too. I would literally be on my knees unbuckling his pants to get that extra $300k. Yes daddy Dana. Give it to me.

[@mopar_keys]

And you figure that how ??🧐🤔

[@ZackBackpackingAroundTheWorld]

My comment got deleted. Dang it. 🥹

[@lazysundayz]

Increasing from 75% to 100%

[@ultimateultimate8346]

What wrong with fighters asking for what they deserve

[@Levitator07]

bonuses have been $50'000 since UFC 1. Worth far less now!

[@Shizzmoney74]

Adjusted for inflation, $50,000 in 1993 is equal to $108,085 in 2024. Avg CPI for the last 30 years is 2.55% YOY (the official number from the Fed, not the actual number). 30 x 2.55% = 76.5%. This one time increase (around 64%) of the inflated 109K to 300K doesn't even match THAT.

[@Lockdown335]

@@Shizzmoney74 My guys MAFS hahaha makes it so much worse when adjusted

[@firstlast-lt6xp]

Expecting fighters to understand inflation, let alone basic math is a stretch.

[@godblesstrolls]

TBH every week they should give out 1.2 Million in bonuses... that way everybody who wins a bonus gets at least a doublewide to live in when they have CTE

[@JudoHighlights2015]

I’ve never agreed with Luke on this topic. He clearly doesn’t understand business. 1.3 billion in revenue. That’s before expenses, etc. if you were to take the 485 something fighters on that roster and divide all that evenly across everyone, it’s around 2.8 million a year per fighter. Obviously this is unrealistic as the UFC has a huge team of staff and expenses.

[@metalfacemoviereviews8979]

The greatest asset though is the fighters. They are who put the butts in seats and eyes on the screen. I’ll be the first to say I don’t understand business. Judo Highlights why are boxers able to make so much more than their combat cousins? I mean I’d argue boxing is less popular these days especially now. What’s going on here?

[@JudoHighlights2015]

People always point to the main boxers and how much they earn. Tyson, etc. it’s dramatically different how much they earn compared to the best UFC fighters. But the people down on those cards aren’t too different to the UFC fighters. Boxing is also a terrible business model. Would you rather watch boxing or the UFC? Of course the UFC. Also, if the fighters didn’t like it theyd do other jobs.

[@metalfacemoviereviews8979]

For me I only watch boxing for the greats. Crawford, Spence, Alvarez, Benavidez. So it’s UFC all day. But some argue like (Slackie) from Jack Slack that if you pay the fighters more they’re able to train more and you’ll have a better product in the end.

[@JudoHighlights2015]

@@metalfacemoviereviews8979yeah but they can’t pay them more. That’s what Luke doesn’t get

[@omen3766]

Dana drops a million at blackjack before dinner. Fighters are idiots.

[@brob8204]

lol.

[@captain_av]

1, was it not pre-planned? 2, only fighters could be excited about more bonus money but think fighter pay is fine. Luke, I was yelling into the ether as well. Disgusting how much the media, the fans, and the fighters are on Dana's nuts, especially about this.

[@azyy1248]

The "Dana! Dana! Dana!" chants were beyond cringe. These guys are just dumb. No point caring.

[@pappabuN]

I was wondering about it being pre-planned aswell. Seems like an easy way for the UFC to score some brownie points

[@intellectic9155]

You must be about as fun at parties as Luke is. Get a grip, dorks.

[@KriegWaters]

I'm not clear on point #2. I think anyone would be excited about a bonus, regardless of how good their pay were.

[@nomadgrappler9410]

I just think its ridiculous everyone memory holed dana being a domestic abuser.

[@zacharymancini9127]

Luke keep talking about this issue. Fans/fighters complaining to you for talking about this issue are ignorant and don't care about the well being of the sport. This is an issue that needs to be discussed.

[@rhysjeffery1630]

The problem is, which Dana doesnt want to admit. Is many fighters wouldnt fight long if they got paid more. Lots more would leave at the top of their game

[@FowlEdge]

Luke was with Showtime when they went out of business. Now he is offering business advice to the UFC, brilliant.

[@bighutch2202]

Quit bitching all the time , people are just happy the fights will be action packed guaranteed because of the incentive . He covers the UFC like its court order community service.

[@Professor_Pink]

He is a media member, not a shill and promoter. He is doing his job.

[@thundercheeks1989]

How nice of dana to give them their own money back. Such a sweetheart.

[@Fhuck_thats_Magic]

That's how business works buddy. Little paid wages to the ones doing all the work. It's all our money but it goes to taxes and the upper management and owners.

[@thundercheeks1989]

​@@Fhuck_thats_MagicYeah! Completely inevitable! It's the natural order of things! Heck! It's what the workers WANT! All hail the bosses! Down with solidarity!

[@Beebalabeeba]

Live it how you comment it please When you sell your house pay the landscaper 50% of your profit because they earned it keeping your property fresh even though you always paid them the agreed salary they did the work for you to profit it’s their money

[@steffonpaul]

Love the analysis Luke as always. I work Payroll at my job. An extra $1 million dollars off their $1.3 billion annual revenue (probably more since that was 2023 numbers) is nothing.

[@MojoMoneyMajor]

Exactly the people who work real jobs and understand math know this 💯💯

[@FULI2DMAX]

Luke I’m sorry dude you have to let it go. The fighters are the ones with the power, and they keep signing up.

[@Kikibrat2]

Ya, it's futile at this point. They have to care, not us.

[@Cheeseiest1]

The fighters are *not* the ones with the power in the current structure, the problem is they refuse to do anything to empower themselves

[@Joes35]

The simple fact is outside of the top top end, ufc fighters make more than boxers. Even guys like inoue make less than 250k per fight and he’s top 10 p4p. You guys don’t understand the business. Could ufc pay fighters more? Obviously. Why would they want to outside of being forced? Do you know how long it took for these sports leagues to develop unions and fight for their rights? Decades. I’m sorry no company is just handing over fair pay, it’s the opposite of what they want to do in a capitalist system.

[@loopvil369]

The man really doesn't understand business. There are people out there more worthy of such pity

[@shaner217]

Are you insane lol? They sign up literally because they have no power...

[@kimborampage]

Seeing the fighters beg then celebrate for an increased bonus was sad.

[@seany32]

And u see all the fighters like seals clapping for the rise 🤣

[@MojoMoneyMajor]

They literally can't do math it's insane

[@GrahamBarth]

@@MojoMoneyMajor I mean, they're fighters. I don't know why we're surprised the, like, 80% Trump supporter employee base of the UFC isn't the smartest, most mathematically minded and critical thinking group of people.

[@Jhorne84]

@@GrahamBarthSorry, but you’re disqualified to insult anyone if you voted for Biden

[@GrahamBarth]

@@Jhorne84 🤷‍♂

[@EdoKwin]

Expecting the audience to be adults is like asking a fly not to hover over a poo. Sorry, Luke, but kids are gonna be kids.

[@theguvnor3880]

I think most fans know the fighters aren't paid enough but when there are moments where their pay does rise, we should savour these.

[@shedshow1439]

No we have to be like Luke and laugh condescendingly at anyone who likes fighters getting a quarter million dollar raise.

[@WMMASceneNow]

@@shedshow1439this isn’t a raise it’s a discretionary, one time bonus. Also, the bonuses usually go to the fighters on the main card who already making the most

[@shedshow1439]

@@WMMASceneNow do you think I don’t know this?

[@quefreemind5698]

I don't watch press conferences anymore. It seems like information got out that the bonuses would be higher and were seeded in the media to be asked.

[@LarryMayvid]

There was heavy speculation but at $100-150k, not 300. Multiple big names talked about how they did $100k at UFC 100 and how $200k was asked for for 200 and not granted. $300k was not expected by anyone, or at least not from what I saw

[@MikeRigs-rv6lr]

It was sad to me when I saw all the fighters getting excited about the 300k bonuses. It felt like little kids getting excited to get a scoop of ice cream. Even vets like Jim Miller was getting gritty. I’m not acting like 300k is chump change to me, but it is to the UFC.

[@NxD42]

a company making 1.3billion in revenue handing out a one off 1 million extra is the equivalent of someone earning $50,000 a year handing out an extra $38

[@Joes35]

Wow good math. Now go show me where this company has an obligation to do anything except look out for its shareholders?

[@Dan-yh8qp]

We (fans and media) shouldn’t stop talking and caring about fighter pay just because the lawsuit was settled. Love your work Luke. Keep fighting the good fight.

[@jasper_of_puppets]

HAHAHAHA

[@TrendsetterMusicOnly]

This feels extra gross after the fighter lawsuit ended. I honestly cannot even enjoy the sport anymore. Can't watch it without thinking of how exploitative it is.

[@dogwalkinginc6371]

Gate is revenue, not profit. Unless you know what specifically the profit margins need to be in order to satisfy shareholders, there is no point in comparing bonuses to gate.

[@ssheldon1616]

He didn’t, and in your effort to try and sound smart, you showed that your level of comprehension is as good as your attempt.

[@dogwalkinginc6371]

@@ssheldon1616 He did when he suggested how nothing the bonuses were considering the size of the gate. I wasn't trying to sound smart. That occurs naturally.

[@ieatdoes]

Always Mr. Positive, that’s the real reason I’m here watching, I need to complain about something in order to monetize content

[@Blackhaze3000]

Let them be happy with their crumbs Luke, no point in driving this argument into the ground. They don’t care enough for themselves so I damn sure won’t

[@Apoplectic_Spock]

What a beautiful example of just how bewildering it is to live within a world full of abject idiots. The story of my damn life.

[@Dan-Scott]

LMAO, grow up..... Pay goes up and you complain.

[@Apoplectic_Spock]

@@Dan-Scott Example in point.

[@hairyape_8103]

you sound insufferably pretentious

[@MojoMoneyMajor]

​@@hairyape_8103no, you and your ilk can't do basic math

[@jordanspeckels2021]

You sound like a narcissist my guy.

[@archiekeen376]

How quickly he signed that off with not a single thought of the finances behind it shows that they know how much they stiff the fighters at every other event. Watching some of the biggest names chant his name like fan girls was embarrassing. Then the likes of Justin Gaethje will happily be represented by someone who was going to stand FOR the UFC in the trial to stop fighters earning more money. Mind boggling and depressing

[@funonvancouverisland]

I think everyone was excited because the fighters were getting more than 50,000.

[@Anthony-id6gu]

He did it cause the settlement occured and he doesnt have to lie about how much money the UFC doesnt have to pay fighters

[@ts99z28]

Luke - I love your fight breakdowns and analysis. My understanding of so many things related to fighting has grown thanks to you. But you got to move on my man. If you disagree so much with the way the UFC does business, then don't support them. Don't buy the PPV's, don't talk about the fighters, don't do anything related to the UFC. Please. No one cares what you think about the UFC's payroll and business decisions. We want videos on foot placement, grappling techniques, distance management, and so on. I if want to hear about business structures, political beliefs, pandemic policies, or anything not related to fighting I will watch the news. And again, I'm a fan of yours. I think you do an incredible job of explaining the intricacies of MMA. But please, get off the soap box. Not everything has to be some kind of fight for equality or social justice.

[@alankochan]

This just screams lawsuit distraction tactics. The UFC/Dana distracting the world from the lawsuit victory they achieved, which showed how egregious contracts in the industry are in general, by throwing some loose change around. That should be the standard for the top tier fighters to begin with. They should have a separate bonus pool for prelims and/or lower ranked fighters getting 50k performances while the elite fighters get at least double that.

[@cjmillington]

People need to remember that the class action lawsuit was NOT settled by the fighters themselves. The settlement was decided on by the small group that were the faces of the lawsuit and their lawyers. The 1000 fighters never had a say in the decision to settle, they just found out at the same time as we all did. We should remember that. It’s possible that 90% of the fighters wanted to go to court, but the guys at the top of the lawsuit just wanted to settle and have it finished.

[@FightSportTalk]

Does Luke really think a MMA Union is possible? It never was and never will be. Anyone who takes 10 minutes to look at the MMA landscape knows it was a pipe dream from day 1. And yet he still chooses to talk about it. He has always claimed he will stop talking about certain things and then go on and on about it, hypocrite. The UFC is not only multi billion dollar company to keep the majority of the profit they make, they all do. Why does he think it’s the fans jobs to push for fighter pay instead of the fighters and managers?

[@XxHessxX7]

Have y’all seen the memes when Dana announces 300k bonuses and Aljo is slamming the table going wild and someone says why is this guy out of all people amped up like he going to put on an exciting performance😂😂😂

[@MandosCulture]

Fully been on your side of fighter pay as you have been doing this for literally a decade now. You are absolutely correct and it is wild that fans dont see that. UFC obviously has punished you for speaking about this by not allowing you as many opportunities as you deserve. You are one of the best Luke.

[@Mattisin]

*UFC blocks Luke from a media opportunity for his fighter pay revolt* Luke: Well fuck it, guess I'm continuing then

[@Theredbastard2023]

Is that confirmed or did you guess?

[@Mattisin]

@@Theredbastard2023 It was in his last live chat

[@mustybiscuits]

@@Theredbastard2023he said in his live chat it happened this week with a fighter on the card.

[@Theredbastard2023]

@@Mattisin thank you! Must have missed that

[@Theredbastard2023]

@@mustybiscuits thank you must have missed it

[@nn4mz]

Nah, I’m with you, Luke. And you’re no hypocrite. I know it’s a difficult concept for some folks to understand, but you can simultaneously talk about something while be exhausted about it’s content. I’m glad you spoke on this, and were not moved by the thoughts of some of the viewers, here. Talk about fighter pay as needed and whenever you want.

[@norte15am]

It's also a difficult concept to understand that some of us agree 100% with this, but are tired of hearing it on every episode. Every single topic ends up on fighter pay. We can agree and also be tired of hearing it. Two things can be true at the same time.

[@nn4mz]

@@norte15am- I get it, and yall can keep scrolling to your other KZbin options. Especially here, where it’s clear by the title that he’s talking about it. Luke is nowhere near talking about fighter pay so much that it’s the center of his content. But if it’s content you’re exhausted on, no one is making you listen or click on the video.

[@LA_Native]

Preach Luke Thomas!

[@johndavis48076]

Luke said the gate was like $16 million NFL gives players 48% of revenue but let’s use 40% for fighters that’s $6.4 million spread over 26 fighters(?) that’s an average of $246,153 per fighter and not including fighters getting PPV points or bonuses. Nice chunk of change.

[@MojoMoneyMajor]

Luke is one of the FEW journalists who actually get it. Most ufc casuals (and ufc athletes) simply can't do math 😂😂🙄

[@Ap-sy5nt]

Luke, you do realize that the ufc is a commercial company? You seem very confused about this. You do realize the fighters have all signed a contract implying they are happy with their compensation? You do realize the fighters are all free to start up their own promotion if they want to make more money? Or another venture outside of mma? You do realize ufc fighter pay has ZERO to do with what the nba pays? You seem seriously confused anout this whole thing

[@jamesvandenberg]

Luke, do you know what the overhead is? Like out of the 1.3 b in revenue, how much is profit? How much goes into putting on shows? Running the PI? Creating capacity? I agree they must make an incredible amount of money but I wonder how much it is

[@dug8377]

There’s a reason the UFC could keep doing events even while they couldn’t have a live audience…. They pay the fighters so little they could afford to. No other sport could afford it.

[@MagnusGalactusOG]

It was strip club energy in there.

[@BishopDeeds]

If the gate is 16 million and the PPV sales are likely going to be bringing in 50 million (the UFC probably gets 50 bucks from every 80 dollar PPV sale) estimating 1 million PPV buys, the UFC is going to get 65 million from this PPV alone. Not including any other money from sponsorships, etc. 1 million dollars is 1 (1.5*) percent of 65 million. Them giving out an extra million when they are making 65 million is like if I gave you 20 dollars out of the 2,000 I had in my pocket.. It's nothing.. and because they are dealing in millions and millions that goes so much further than 2,000, it's so much worse.

[@SomeBlackGuy]

Keep people desperate, and they will keep settling for less. If the fighters refused to fight for UFC, the pay would change. Problem is, the fighters at the top aren’t desperate.

[@TheHalcyonShow]

When Luke speaks slowly and flashes words on the screen you just know the weather outside is raining stupid for him to be so animated. I love it.

[@Do_it_for_Aciun]

It’s like giving a homeless man a Lincoln instead of a Washington for doing a back flip.

[@RoXo1987]

It is so PATHETIC to see someone whining on behalf of people who are not even complaining ☠️☠️☠️

[@cameronlane2465]

Just when you think you're out they pull you back in

[@groin83]

This video could have been a 30 second short.

[@Johnny1864]

I like the big "Yes" and "No" 😂

[@VijaysCorner]

Don’t talk revenues, mention profits

[@geminivending]

As a business owner myself, the confusion of those terms is quite annoying.

[@Lost_In_LA]

Only part I'm watchful is when the UFC has a big event like this, it's typical Dana will award bonuses for all the stoppages or maybe more generous, all the winners. If the bonus is going to $300K, I have doubts Dana will spread the wealth past the typical four bonus winners.

[@cornwallmansiom3831]

I think that depends on how many ppv's they sell. I could see him tossing 50k to some more fighters. Hell if he gave that to the other 21 fighters its still only another million

[@mumkeymumkey4078]

Nothing is more painfully than seeing LEGENDS of the sport beg for money. But it’s the bed they choose to sleep in.

[@fightnwoids2514]

i have traveled to see 15 live events all over Canada ... mostly in Vegas... those DAZE are over ... there is NO WAY that I can justify paying the new RIDICULOUS ticket prices ... i paid $185 to sit in the upper deck at Jones v DC ...its like TRIPLE that now for the same seat!..... SO LAME.... and alll they do is brag about how much money they rake in....

[@FZappa20]

I'd like too see every finish get 300k

[@Kikibrat2]

Yes, that would make most point fighters take a bit more risk but it may payoff big. It'd be worth it.

[@bdux9]

On all ppv's too!

[@MojoMoneyMajor]

That's still pennies 😂

[@mpomp6378]

I just tell people I'm a Pro Wrestling fan now. Feels less embarassing these days than being involved in the MMA fanbase.

[@Shizzmoney74]

These fighters, UFC access media, and Dana stans summed up in one word: CUCKED

[@DionMckissack]

Perfect example of rich getting richer...the American way! 😮F the little guy(Fighters)

[@degui1224]

I can almost guarantee you that he's only gonna give those basic bonuses too If this 300 wasn't promised He probably would have given every finish a bonus

[@jean-marcperin1025]

Chatri is still top dog in the compensating fighters through charity game.

[@fredthurst6175]

CARTRIDGE SITUTONG HAS AWARDED YOU 40 BUCKS FROM HIS WALLET! - Bitch Chilson

[@christiangjerpe1506]

Typical mma media..they find a way to nag about the 300 k bonus…🙄

[@Professor_Pink]

Dana?

[@godblesstrolls]

Yeah, but Mark Coleman will be handing out the bonuses, Luke and the Rock will hold him up stable while he does it!!

[@402Racing]

The level of "begging" or excitement from the top of the PPV portion, the best paid fighters, was something you dont see in boxing, you wont see that, ever, it needs change.

[@gustavoferroni2693]

Dana White behaves like he is the fighters' sugar daddy

[@1D.JFanMma]

I fully agree with you 💯

[@heavyartillery-qm5hu]

We all agree that he is a hypocrite

[@MrTheLuckyshot]

The UFC is fucking us all, fans and fighters alike. 90 dollars for a PPV and the guys we pay to see get crumbs.

[@Lost_In_LA]

I want the bonus to go back to the paying customers tbh. There was a period where I would buy the PPV each and every month. MMA media never advocates about better prices for fans.

[@next-gengaming]

Crumbs? The average income of someone on that stage fighting is probably 100k tomorrow. With a 300k bonus incentive. The fighter pay argument has become an absolute joke

[@Ainttrippin]

Lol who is forcing you to buy? If you don't like it buy ONE FC or Bellator

[@Ainttrippin]

@@next-gengaming They are doing it to themselves. That said, 100k to train 8 hours a day for a big chunk of the year; take enormous damage in training and in fights is...nothing.

[@sainttrunks1982]

@@Ainttrippin not the point sir. hello?

[@honeybee6978]

Luke said it the best in this video. There's no point for the whole world talking about fighters pay if the fighters themselves seem to be cool with it

[@joez.9932]

People UFC don’t give bonuses the losers of the night for up half of their pay. They are the ones that pay out the bonuses.

[@nestorgonzalez9322]

It reminded me of the meme,” When you want a raise, but you get pizza.” Don't get me wrong. Everyone loves pizza…But…

[@kaneo317]

The amount of fans who say it’s not sustainable for UFC to keep handing out 300k bonuses in the future is astounding.

[@aaronsmith2146]

Someone in the comments help me understand please. I don’t understand that just because I want mma fighters to have health insurance that that means I’m some psycho outlaw or something. This is the US you literally need health insurance to go to a hospital we are not like other developed countries where we have universal healthcare. I wish we were Like what wrong with that?

[@Kikibrat2]

The common makeup of fans are the same way outside of MMA. You are correct, we should want better for the fighters we enjoy watching. Once the fighters settled though, we should just stop caring about their needs. It's easier said than done.

[@MojoMoneyMajor]

Most Americans have a weird bootstrap fantasy about their lives but they really don't understand labor, unions, wages etc... if we want to get deep it's all rooted in America's history with slave labor but I'm not expecting to have a nuanced discussion about that in a UFC space 😂

[@Kikibrat2]

@@MojoMoneyMajor 💯

[@Lockdown335]

@@MojoMoneyMajor unsurprising.... I mean look at the people they promote at their events lol

[@lexg1455]

Leave it to Luke to complain about this lol

[@activeunsub]

If u ever have anything good happen to u, u must think twice about sharing the news with LT.

[@RobBrens]

That whole thing reminded me of Mad Max when Immortan Joe turns the water on. I think these points are still worth addressing in moments like these, they extend beyond just the UFC but how we value our time and labour generally.

[@Deeplycloseted435]

That DEFINITELY was NOT a staged question and answer 😂 ESPN/UFC can’t stop posting about it.

[@jllostinsweden]

This one was so clearly put. Couldn’t agree more. Good points Luke.

[@Urraca122]

You are completely right…. Fighter should unionize…and make things more fair for them.

[@thewraithize]

It wasn't actually the journalist that said 300k, he just asked if bonuses will be increased. Think Gaethje might have called out for 300k. It probably was a setup but good marketing and the fighters were obviously not aware so it got them pumped up to go get it. Great tactic by the UFC

[@itscje5784]

The only bit that sucks is that there aren’t any fighters making 12k/12k in this card and 300k would literally change their life. Dana needs to change this long term, look at how the top 1% reacted to $300k.. imagine making 2 debut fighters fight for $300 grand… absolute carnage. But instead Dana says if you win this fight you’ll make an extra 12 grand…

[@FightersRep]

You do have to stop talking about this. By your logic, my accountant should charge me more money when I make more. The UFC is currently paying better than any other MMA promotion. They are the barometer. I'll complain when they stop providing opportunities. Others need to catch up and drive up the pay via competition. Forcing the company to pay more because of your feelings (since you have 0 experience promoting or running a league) is ridiculous. Comparing it to the NBA, a company founded in 1946, is also ridiculous. They have not only been around and accepted as a sport for WAY longer, but each company should run its operation how it deems fit; not how you feel it should be run with your 0 experience promoting.

[@420MrReefer]

Yeah it's dumb but in fairness we are all underpaid and don't rally together in the normal workplace so can't shit on them too much everyone's scared of there boss and doesn't want to rock the boat

[@peteypablo89]

I’m fully with you Luke, this is a point the fighters have chosen over and over again to ignore. They believe the UFC hype and propaganda to their core. They will never rebel and demand what they rightfully deserve. Because they truly think they don’t. Not collectively at least.

[@leanmchungry4735]

Frank Zappa: Most rock journalism is people who can't write, interviewing people who can't talk, for people who can't read.

[@jasper_of_puppets]

I knew when Luke said in his most recent live chat *"I'm over it",* I knew he was lying. If not to us, then himself. You can easily tell that Luke cannot let it go. He's too emotionally invested in this topic. And to no avail.