Jorge Masvidal’s controversial call to Jake Paul on how rookie UFC stars should earn money

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Jorge Masvidal thinks fighter pay needs to change, but not across the board.

‘Gamebred’ has been around the sport long enough to understand what goes on behind the scenes and he recently opened up about his views on compensation during a chat with Jake Paul, who’s never been shy about taking aim at how UFC pays its fighters.

Paul, a YouTuber turned professional boxer, has built his career on calling out big names in combat sports. Last year, he took aim at Dana White’s organisation again, reacting to the UFC’s massive $7.7 billion deal with Paramount by criticising how little of that money seemed to reach the athletes.

Masvidal responded by saying that while some fighters do deserve more money, especially those who fill up arenas or headline major cards like Conor McGregor or Jon Jones, it doesn’t make sense for everyone across the board to be paid more.

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Jorge Masvidal explains the real UFC pay issue to fighter pay advocate Jake Paul

Masvidal has become one of the UFC’s bigger earners, but it took him a long time to reach that level. He spent six years grinding through the ranks before his breakout.

His path through every stage of the UFC’s pay structure gives him a unique perspective. Speaking to Paul on his YouTube channel, Masvidal pointed out where he thinks the real problem lies.

There’s been plenty of talk about entry-level contracts in the UFC, but Masvidal doesn’t think the starting salaries are an issue, even if some fighters come in making just $10k.

“It’s good money if you do get there. But where we do need a dramatic change is more like when you’re in the top 10, top 15,” Masvidal said.