Max Holloway, the current "BMF" champion and one of UFC's most beloved stars, has delivered a powerful message to his fellow fighters following reports of a massive payday for boxer Conor Benn. The Hawaiian veteran believes it's time for mixed martial artists to recognize their true value and stand together for better compensation.
The boxing world was recently shaken by news that Conor Benn would earn a staggering $15 million for his upcoming Zuffa Boxing debut against Regis Prograis on April 26. While UFC's parent company TKO Group Holdings claims this amount isn't coming directly from their pockets, the figure has nonetheless sparked intense debate within the MMA community about the vast pay disparity between combat sports.
Holloway, who is preparing to headline UFC 326 this Saturday against former lightweight champion Charles Oliveira at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, couldn't hide his astonishment when discussing Benn's purse. The veteran fighter with a legendary resume admitted the number was "crazy" and highlighted how even top UFC athletes rarely approach such figures, despite years of dedication and countless wars inside the octagon.
The Paramount+ Deal and New Revenue Streams
The timing of this discussion coincides with UFC's landmark $7.7 billion Paramount+ streaming agreement, which will broadcast UFC events for the next seven years starting in 2026. This unprecedented deal has already led to improvements in fighter bonuses, with performance bonuses increasing to $100,000 and finish bonuses now set at $25,000 per fight.
However, Holloway argues that these improvements are just the beginning. He believes fighters must capitalize on this new revenue stream and push for more substantial base pay. The new generation of athletes, in particular, needs to understand their leverage in negotiations rather than accepting the first offer presented to them. With billions flowing into the promotion, the argument that there's insufficient money for fighter pay becomes increasingly difficult to justify.
A Lesson in Fighter Solidarity
One of the most compelling parts of Holloway's message centers on the importance of unity among fighters. He shared a telling anecdote about a past situation involving Jon Jones and Derrick Lewis that perfectly illustrates the problem of divided interests.
When Jones requested approximately $10 million for a potential superfight against Francis Ngannou, the UFC reportedly balked at the number. Instead of supporting his fellow athlete's demand, Lewis publicly undercut Jones by stating he would take the fight for just $1 million. Holloway criticized this approach, explaining that such actions ultimately hurt all fighters by driving down market value.
"We cannot be doing that, brother," Holloway emphasized. "You needed to almost stand in Jon's corner. 'Yeah, Jon, you deserve 10. Go get that 10.' Because guess what? If you're fighting for 10 and it looks like your base pay probably comes up to you."
This example highlights a fundamental issue in MMA: fighters often view each other as competition not just inside the cage, but in contract negotiations. Holloway urges his peers to change this mindset and recognize that when one fighter wins financially, it elevates the entire sport. This collective bargaining concept, while common in other professional sports, remains elusive in the individualistic world of combat sports.
From $6,000 to Stardom
Holloway speaks from experience. When he first joined the UFC in 2012, he fought Dustin Poirier on the preliminary card of a Nick Diaz vs. Carlos Condit event for a disclosed purse of just $6,000. From those humble beginnings, he has built himself into one of the promotion's biggest draws and most respected champions.
His journey gives him unique perspective on how far the sport has come—and how far it still has to go. While he's achieved financial success, Holloway recognizes that many fighters still struggle to make ends meet, especially those early in their careers or outside the main event spotlight. The path from $6,000 to multi-million dollar paydays is rare, and Holloway wants to make it less exceptional.
The "Know Your Worth" Philosophy
The core of Holloway's advice revolves around a simple but powerful concept: know your worth. He encourages fighters to research their value, understand the revenue they generate, and negotiate accordingly. More importantly, he stresses the need to hold firm during discussions, even when it feels uncomfortable.
Holloway shared a piece of wisdom he applies to all business dealings: "If you're going to present something and I tell you, 'Oh, I want this much.' And your answer to me is like, 'Oh, perfect. Can do.' You low bought the shit out of yourself. The answer that you want is to be like, 'F you. Why are you asking for this much?'"
While acknowledging that some demands might be unreasonable, he insists that the ideal negotiation should involve pushback from management. If they immediately accept your number, you've likely undervalued yourself significantly. This philosophy requires fighters to do their homework, understand comparable pay in other sports, and recognize their own drawing power.
A Call to Action for the New Generation
With the UFC's popularity at an all-time high and new revenue streams flowing in, Holloway sees a critical opportunity for change. He wants younger fighters to learn from past mistakes and build a more collaborative environment where athletes support each other's financial goals.
The increased bonuses following the Paramount+ deal demonstrate that the money exists. Holloway's message is clear: fighters must now organize and advocate for themselves to ensure that wealth distribution becomes more equitable across all levels of the roster. This means having difficult conversations, potentially missing fights, and supporting colleagues who take stands for better pay.
Looking Ahead
As Holloway prepares for his showdown with Oliveira—a fight that could further cement his legacy—he carries the weight of representation for his fellow athletes. His willingness to speak openly about compensation issues marks him as a leader in the ongoing conversation about fighter pay.
The contrast between Benn's $15 million boxing purse and typical UFC salaries serves as a stark reminder of the work still needed. While MMA and boxing operate under different business models, the gap raises legitimate questions about how the UFC values its talent relative to the revenue they generate.
Holloway's message resonates beyond just the octagon. It's a universal lesson about self-advocacy, understanding market value, and the power of collective action. For UFC fighters, it might be the wake-up call needed to transform the financial landscape of their sport.
As the Paramount+ era begins and new money enters the ecosystem, the fighters who heed Holloway's advice may find themselves in a stronger position than ever before. The question is whether they can unite and follow his lead.