Core Insight: Olympic champion Jordan Burroughs publicly criticized UFC’s compensation model while ranking top MMA wrestlers.
Key Highlight: Burroughs placed former UFC champ Jon Jones at #2 in his personal wrestler hierarchy.
Actionable Advice: Wrestlers eyeing MMA transitions should negotiate contract clauses that protect revenue sharing.
EDMONTON, Oct 24 (Reuters) — Jordan Burroughs, two‑time Olympic gold‑medalist and five‑time World champion, used his post‑fight interview at the UFC 333 press conference to denounce the promotion’s pay structure and to publish a personal ranking of MMA wrestlers. The veteran wrestler, now a commentator for the UFC’s “Spinning Back Clique” podcast, said the disparity between wrestling and mixed‑martial‑arts earnings “forces athletes to choose cash over legacy.”
Jordan Burroughs' UFC 333 commentary
Burroughs highlighted three core grievances: lack of transparent revenue sharing, limited post‑fight bonuses, and the absence of a collective bargaining entity for fighters. He cited the UFC’s disclosed 2025 revenue of $5.2 billion, noting that the average UFC fighter earned $147,000 in 2025, while top‑tier wrestlers in the World Wrestling Championships typically receive $250,000 in prize money and sponsorships combined. Burroughs also released his “MMA Wrestler Ranking,” placing Khabib Nurmagomedov at #1, Jon Jones at #2, and Israel Adesanya at #5.
Reaction from UFC and PFL executives
UFC President Dana White responded on Twitter, stating, “We compensate athletes based on market demand; the numbers speak for themselves.” PFL CEO Ray Sefo, speaking at a press briefing in Chicago, said the PFL’s revenue‑share model “offers a 20 % higher base pay for wrestlers transitioning to MMA,” positioning the organization as a potential alternative for disaffected talent.
Comparative pay analysis: Wrestling vs. MMA
| Parameter | Details / Specs | Recommendation |
|-----------|----------------|----------------|
| Base Salary (2025) | Wrestling: $120,000 avg; UFC: $147,000 avg; PFL: $176,000 avg | Wrestlers should target PFL contracts for higher guaranteed pay |
| Bonus Structure | Wrestling: $30,000 per title defense; UFC: win‑bonus $50,000; PFL: win‑bonus $70,000 | Negotiate win‑bonus clauses to offset lower base pay |
| Sponsorship Potential | Wrestling: $80,000 avg; UFC: $45,000 avg; PFL: $55,000 avg | Leverage Olympic pedigree for endorsement deals outside the cage |
| Revenue Share | Wrestling: 5 % of event gate; UFC: none disclosed; PFL: 10 % of gate | Prioritize promotions that offer revenue‑share clauses |
Future outlook and official statements
Burroughs announced he will host a follow‑up panel at the upcoming “Wrestling‑MMA Convergence” summit in Las Vegas on Nov 12, where he expects to press for a joint athletes’ association. UFC officials have signaled openness to a pilot revenue‑share program for marquee fights in 2027. Analysts at Sports Business Journal predict that if the PFL’s model gains traction, average MMA fighter earnings could rise by 12 % by 2028.
Frequently Asked Questions
What did Jordan Burroughs say about UFC fighter pay?
He said UFC fighters are paid “well below the market value of comparable athletes in other combat sports,” and called for transparent revenue sharing.
Which MMA organization offers the highest guaranteed pay for wrestlers transitioning to MMA?
According to Burroughs’ analysis, the PFL provides the highest base salary, roughly $30,000 more than the UFC’s average.
Is there any movement toward a collective bargaining agreement for UFC fighters?
Both the UFC and the athletes’ council have indicated a willingness to explore a pilot agreement, but no formal contract has been signed as of Oct 24, 2026.
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