UFC Legend Georges St-Pierre Warns That UFC-Paramount Deal Could Be ‘Terrible’
The world of mixed martial arts was rocked recently when the UFC announced a landmark media rights deal with Paramount worth a staggering $7.7 billion. While many fans and industry experts were excited about the potential growth and exposure this deal could bring to the sport, one UFC legend has expressed concerns about the long-term effects of this partnership.
Georges St-Pierre, widely considered one of the greatest fighters in UFC history, recently shared his thoughts on the UFC-Paramount deal in an interview with Heavy Sports. The former welterweight and middleweight champion warned that this deal could have negative consequences for the sport and its athletes.
In the interview, St-Pierre expressed his admiration for the UFC’s success and growth over the years, but also acknowledged the potential risks of such a massive media rights deal. He stated, “I’m happy for the UFC, they’ve done a great job in building the sport and making it mainstream. But I also worry about the long-term effects of this deal. It could be terrible for the fighters.”
St-Pierre’s concerns stem from the fact that the UFC will now have a major broadcasting partner in Paramount, which could potentially limit the fighters’ bargaining power and earnings. With such a huge influx of money, the UFC may not feel the need to negotiate better pay for its athletes, who put their bodies and health on the line every time they step into the octagon.
The Canadian fighter also pointed out that the UFC’s previous media rights deal with FOX, which was worth $4 billion, did not result in significant pay increases for the fighters. In fact, many UFC fighters have publicly expressed their dissatisfaction with their pay and the lack of benefits compared to other professional sports.
St-Pierre’s concerns are valid and should not be taken lightly. The UFC has faced criticism in the past for its treatment of fighters and their pay, and this new deal could potentially exacerbate the issue. While the UFC has promised to increase fighter pay as a result of this deal, only time will tell if they follow through on their promise.
However, St-Pierre also acknowledged that the UFC is a business and needs to make money to continue growing and providing opportunities for fighters. He stated, “I understand that the UFC is a business and they need to make money. But at the same time, the fighters are the ones who make the UFC what it is. They deserve to be fairly compensated for their hard work and sacrifices.”
Despite his concerns, St-Pierre remains optimistic about the future of the sport and hopes that the UFC and Paramount will work together to ensure the best for everyone involved. He also believes that the fighters should come together and form a union to have a stronger voice in negotiations.
In conclusion, the UFC-Paramount deal has the potential to bring great success and growth to the sport of mixed martial arts. However, as Georges St-Pierre has warned, it is important to consider the long-term effects and ensure that the fighters are not left behind in the pursuit of profit. Let us hope that the UFC and Paramount will work together to create a fair and prosperous future for the sport and its athletes.