Masvidal Explains Why Boxing Pays Top Stars More Than the UFC

Jorge Masvidal has laid out what he sees as the biggest difference between how the UFC and boxing promotions pay their stars. Speaking on the Double Coverage Podcast with host Mystic Zach, he said top boxers take a far larger share of the money they bring in.

Masvidal is primarily an MMA fighter, but he is 1-1 as a professional boxer. He last boxed in 2024 and lost a majority decision to fellow UFC alum Nate Diaz.

In a big boxing event, he explained, the two main-event fighters usually split a large part of the revenue. "In boxing, the two main event guys are gonna split about 60 percent, right? Depending on who's the A-side, the B-side, contract negotiations, this and that," Masvidal said. He added that the two top names make "crazy money."

The UFC works differently. "Unfortunately, that system in the UFC is not like that. They don't give a 60 percent split between the two main event (fighters). But what the UFC does very well is they take care of you on the (way) up and when you're in the middle. So it's easier to get these guys in," he said.

What a million buys

Masvidal suggested that if a boxing show draws more than a million pay-per-view buys, its two headliners would earn around $20 to $25 million each. He has headlined a UFC card that sold more than a million pay-per-views, and he said he was not paid anything like those sums, though he did get decent deals.

He has long been vocal about wanting a better cut for the biggest draws. "I don't need more of upfront money. I just need a bigger percentage of the money that I bring in," said the inaugural BMF champion.

Masvidal also pointed to a change this year: the start of the UFC's deal with Paramount, which moved fight pay away from the traditional pay-per-view model. In his telling, that adds another layer to negotiations between the top stars and the promotion.

The 41-year-old retired from MMA in 2023 and is working toward a return. A comeback in the Octagon is likely to come in 2027, and a fight with former welterweight champion Leon Edwards is believed to be in the picture. Masvidal punched Edwards in a backstage altercation in 2019.

Source: MMA Sucka