Michael Chandler has exploded onto the mainstream with electrifying performances in the UFC.
UFC lightweight contender Michael Chandler has weighed in on the long-standing issue of fighter pay. As much credit as the UFC gets for bringing the sport of mixed martial arts to the forefront, they receive a good amount of hate for their treatment of the fighters.
Michael Chandler speaks against fighter pay issues
Many renowned figures in the field have spoken out against UFC president Dana White and the company for underpaying and exploiting the athletes. Nate Diaz is ongoing a public feud with the promotion that saw him urinate outside the PI building.
One man who isn’t on their side in the fight is Michael Chandler, who believes the pay to be fair.
During the build-up to his most recent outing at UFC 274, ‘Iron’ Mike spoke about the issue of fighter pay in an interview with How U Livin J Piven.
“I always think that there’s people on the lower rungs of society always throwing rocks at the people above them, when it takes the same amount of energy to reach up and grab the next rung to pull themselves up”
“People think that we should make a lot more money because the UFC makes a ton of money on their shows. Well he UFC’s been at it since 1993. Dana White has had a 100,000 sleepless nights when us fighters are just showing up to practice, going to bed, laying our head on the pillow”
Coming off a vicious knockout win earlier this month, Michael Chandler became the first man to knock out Tony Ferguson when he landed a front kick clean to the jaw to send ‘El Cucuy’ crashing down to the canvas.
Chandler’s comments may be painted in a diminished light but it seems to be beneficial for his career. Being in a relatively weaker position against the organization, fighters may find it to be more advantageous by taking a similar approach.