UFC Merchandising Agreement - Fighters Get Scammed

[Granite007]

The fighters can always refuse. This isn't the ancient gladiator days where people were forced to fight. Most these fighters weren't making this kind of money before. And they get to make money at something they love to do.. How many of you love your job?

[Macedawgg]

Originally Posted by p0id0g

if there is no demand for your likeness, you don't have much to worry about. you are better off training than peddling pictures of yourself at local toughman events.

and if there is a demand, you know for sure that a profit-driven company like zuffa is going to react to that demand.

Well, if there is no demand, no need for this agreement then either, right? Why stop the fighter from making what little he is able on his own then? Why impact his abilty to earn purses in smaller promotions?

[Macedawgg]

Originally Posted by Granite007

The fighters can always refuse. This isn't the ancient gladiator days where people were forced to fight. Most these fighters weren't making this kind of money before. And they get to make money at something they love to do.. How many of you love your job?

True, I hope they do refuse to sign this agreement, in the form I have reviewed.

[ocfightfan]

Originally Posted by Macedawgg

Many people share that exact sentiment, I agree.

Think of it in terms of apples then, and not dollars. People become emotional about dollars. Replace dollars, with apples.

Are the fighters getting their fair share of the apples? And, does this Agreement actually serve to hamper their ability to earn apples with other promotions?

Thats a difficult question about a job in what is essentially the entertainment business.

Personally I would like to see the fighters get more, they are putting their bodies and health on the line after all for my entertainment. And I realize that there is alot more work and sacrifice that goes into making it as a fighter than 15 or 25 minutes of work. You have to train, and that costs money, time, and sweat. And they are the reason that I watch the fights, to see who wins, who loses, and whatnot.

But I also realize that this is a business, and furthermore a business that is just in its infancy, and was nearly killed in the cradle not so long ago.

Its not free to put on a show. Dana and the Fertitas are taking significant legal and financial risks, and it takes alot of money, time and effort to make it happen. If the fighters didn't have a big and expensive platform to perform on they would not have a shot at big money. Think about how much money would be in it if the fights took place on youtube in someones backyard.

And lets face it, nobody forces these guys to fight. Its their choice, and if they have a family to feed then they should do something that is more responsible than getting punched in the face or their arm broken for a few hundred or few thousand dollars.

But I also think that, with the addition of Bud Light and other blue chip corporate sponsorship that the future is bright for fighter pay, and the UFC is largly responsible for that. The sort of money all good fans wish fighters were getting paid is coming very soon in my opinion.

[cerfani]

Fuck You Fertitta, Dont Send Mob After Me Because I Fuckin Own The Mob Bitch

[TheFoo]

Originally Posted by Macedawgg

True, I hope they do refuse to sign this agreement, in the form I have reviewed.

And then what? The UFC just puts them on the back burner for a while, still under contract? Throws them on a few undercards and releases them? What about fighters who really don't have any choice? It's the UFC or no fighting at all, screw 'em?

It's another example of the control freaks the UFC are, and the reason they can't get the top fighters, and why their HW division is in shambles.

[branvan16]

if it was that bad, fighters would have stood against it a long time ago. we as fans have nothing to worry about. its the fighters. they sign their contracts knowing full well all of their obligations. i dont seee why people are so bothered by this crap? the fighters will fix it and adjust it when it bothers them. until then just shut the fuck up. let them deal with it. it is no concern to us fans.

[cerfani]

i think only title holders should have exclusive contracts, let everyone else have a chance at a better life

[Macedawgg]

I don't think that is the case any longer. I don't think its the UFC or bust any more. Many fighters seem to believe this however, and in that sense, they perpetuate this exact predicament.

[Jason948]

Wow no royalties on DVD's or Video Games that pathetic come on DANA