MMA
UFC 326: Rob Font says 'it's tough' seeing Conor Benn's salary in Zuffa Boxing
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Shockwaves were sent in the combat sports world as Conor Benn left Matchroom Boxing to sign with Dana White's Zuffa Boxing. His first fight with the upstart promotion will be on the Tyson Fury - Arslanbek Makhmudov undercard on April 11 against Regis Prograis.
A bigger surprise came when it was revealed that Benn would be getting paid $15 million for his efforts and not even competing in the main event. The disclosed purse sent a jolt through in White's UFC as marquee fighters like Sean O'Malley, Max Holloway , and Michael "Venom" Page have expressed their frustrations with Benn getting such a significant payday when UFC fighters are still receiving much lower salaries for their efforts and are arguably more well-known on a global scale.
With Holloway on the marquee at Saturday's UFC 326, live on DAZN PPV (9pm ET, Canada and select territories), against Charles Oliveira for the BMF title, the talk about fighter pay has continued. White has tried to quell the talk by saying Sela (who owns 60 percent of Zuffa Boxing) is footing the bill for Benn. Perception is everything these days, and fighters aren't happy and wondering why the UFC doesn't go to Sela and help them pay the fighters inside the octagon better than what they are currently receiving per fight.
"Obviously, it's tough, No. 13-ranked bantamweight Rob Font told DAZN News earlier this week ahead of his main card fight against Raul Rosas Jr. "You hear the type of numbers he's (Benn) making, and it's like s—t, man. The first one like, 'Damn, all right, whatever.'
"But it's a different sport, different draw. I'm pretty sure he's going to bring a lot of eyes to Zuffa Boxing. It just sucks."
The last disclosed payout for Font was for his fight last February, defeating Jean Matsumoto by split decision. Font (22-9) made $336,000 ($160,000 to show, $160,000 win bonus, $16,000 incentive pay as part of the UFC Athlete Outfitting Policy).
The 38-year-old wishes more money were coming his way. While Font admits he's stable and good, he does let fighters know what to expect when they sign with the UFC.
"I told Calvin (Kattar, UFC featherweight) before, man, before he even got into UFC, like listen man, 'You're going to get to the UFC, you're going to get f—d anyway, so don't even worry about the money', Font explained. "He was going back and forth with a local promoter on paying everything. "I was like, 'Once you get to, you're still going to get f—d, so let's just worry about fighting, and that's what I'm on about.
"I'm making decent money. I'm not making that type of money, but I'm comfortable. I'm good, and I get to do what I get to do."
A win over the young and dynamic Rosas (11-1) would boost Font's profile. But Font believes it won't help in the UFC rankings as he tries to move up in a loaded 135-pound division. His sole focus for right now is to continue to rack up victories, starting with Rosas.
"It (a win) just reminds everybody that I'm still here," Font said. "I don't think it moves the needle too much when it comes to the rankings. I might move up a spot or two, but that's not my focus right now. My focus right now is just getting these Ws, man, I got to get two or three more this year, and then we will take it from there.
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