2 hours ago
Some of the most impressive performances at UFC London came on the undercard.
Nathaniel Wood once again defied the odds to defeat Losene Keita, while Mason Jones dominated Axel Sola in a brutal, back-and-forth fight that many considered a contender for fight of the year.
By the end of their bout, both Jones and Sola were bloodied and gasping for breath, relentlessly exchanging strikes until the final bell, exhausting every ounce of energy.
Jonesâ performance was the kind that can significantly impact a fighterâs career, and along with Wood, they energized the fans on a night when the atmosphere at the O2 Arena was at times subdued.
However, fighters on the prelims like Wood and Jones receive far less media attention, promotion, and notably, much lower pay compared to their headlining counterparts.
Given the immense physical and mental demands of the sport, many argue that these athletes deserve better compensation, especially as the combat sports landscape evolves.
The issue of fighter pay has recently come under scrutiny following boxer Conor Benn signing a reported ÂŁ11 million one-fight deal with Zuffa Boxing.
Zuffa Boxing is owned by UFC president Dana White, prompting critics to question why similar pay levels are not extended to MMA fighters under UFC contracts.
Currently, the UFC allocates about 20% of its revenue to fighter pay, whereas boxers typically receive around 60% of event revenue.
Londonâs Nathaniel Wood, who has won 11 of his 14 UFC fights, expressed hope that Bennâs deal might trigger change, saying he was "heartbroken" when he learned how much Benn would be earning.
"When you think I've been in the UFC for eight years, but I'm not on that, I'm not even on 1% of that," Wood told BBC Sport ahead of UFC London.
"Especially when I believe MMA is the tougher sport as well, but again I just try and control what's in my hands and it's got nothing to do with me.
"It was definitely heartbreaking to see someone is getting paid that much."
