Stephen Thompson continues to provide updates on his UFC 291 pay.
Thompson and Michel Pereira were expected to collide at the event in Salt Lake City, but things went south when Pereira missed weight. “Wonderboy” decided not to take the fight as a result. While many assumed Thompson would be getting his show money for being the one who made weight, that still has not happened.
UFC CEO Dana White told media members that Thompson would be getting paid for camp costs, but he wouldn’t receive his full show money. This has drawn the ire of many MMA fans and experts, but Thompson has given yet another update on the situation.
Stephen Thompson Still Working On UFC 291 Pay
During his latest appearance on “The MMA Hour,” Stephen Thompson told Ariel Helwani that his management team continues to be in talks with the UFC over being paid for showing up and making weight in Salt Lake City. Here is that clip:
Stephen Thompson asked if everything has been resolved.#TheMMAHour pic.twitter.com/XCPlWNYZai
— Jed I. Goodman © (@jedigoodman) September 27, 2023
“Actually yes,” Thompson said. “It’s a little slow, but my management is definitely in talks with the UFC and we’re coming up with a number that’s gonna fit both parties that we’re gonna be happy with. So, I’m excited. … It’s not a done deal, yet, but we are definitely working on something right now,” Thompson said. “Hopefully, it turns out good and something that we’re both gonna be happy with. So, I’m excited.”
Thompson went on to urge other fighters to follow his lead despite the difficult process in getting paid for actually being a professional. You can watch that separate video clip below the quote:
“I hope that people will take my lead and say, ‘Look, if you’re not gonna make the weight then I’m not gonna fight. I’m not gonna do it,'” Thompson said. “I feel like, hopefully, that will change or there needs to be more of a consequence for the people that don’t make weight, ’cause then the fight doesn’t happy and if the fight doesn’t happen, the UFC needs to take it on with the person who doesn’t make weight.”
Stephen Thompson: I hope that people will take my lead and say 'look, if you're not gonna make the weight, then I'm not gonna fight'#TheMMAHour pic.twitter.com/EVZmUAeUgt
— Jed I. Goodman © (@jedigoodman) September 27, 2023
