Conor McGregor, the former two-division champion of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), has issued a significant statement regarding the economic structure of combat sports promotions. McGregor has called for organizations within the industry to implement a system of revenue sharing directly with the athletes.
His argument centers on the substantial financial scale achieved by leading promotions, which he characterizes as “multibillion-dollar” entities. McGregor contends that the immense profits generated are intrinsically linked to the physical contributions and sacrifices of the fighters. He emphasizes that the athletes who “shed their blood” are fundamental to creating the spectacle and entertainment value that drives the business model and generates considerable revenue.
According to reports, McGregor articulated that the dedication and physical toll taken by fighters for the benefit of the “show” and audience engagement warrants formal recognition and, more importantly, a direct financial return. He posits that if promotions genuinely prioritize their athletes and operate with transparency, a “piece of the pie” – a share of the substantial revenue – should be allocated to them.
Furthermore, McGregor`s call is not restricted to a single organization but is presented as a principle that should be universally applied. He suggests that this approach to revenue sharing should become a standard operational model across “other promotions” within the combat sports sphere. This perspective frames the issue as an industry-wide challenge concerning economic equity rather than an isolated issue with one entity.
This advocacy from a figure as prominent and financially successful as McGregor adds significant weight to the ongoing discourse surrounding fighter compensation, welfare, and the business ethics of professional combat sports. While the practical implementation of revenue sharing presents various complexities for existing structures, McGregor`s public stance highlights the perceived imbalance between the financial success of promotional bodies and the compensation structures for the athletes who are central to their profitability.
