Demetrious Johnson reacts to UFC’s $375 million antitrust settlement; questions fighters financial decisions

I don’t know what those guys do with their money. I feel comfortable saying that Shane Carwin and Cung Le probably made more money than I did in the UFC. So, my thing was like ok, what did you guys do with your money, how much did you make, where you invested it. 

Demetrius Johnson via The Ariel Helwani Show 

Several former UFC fighters, including Wanderlei Silva , Shane Carwin, and Fernando Bruno , have supported the antitrust settlement. Their testimonials highlight severe post-career struggles, including brain injuries, chronic pain, and mental health issues, often exacerbated by lack of medical care. Many hope the settlement will offer critical financial and healthcare relief to address these long-term challenges.

Demetrious Johnson explained that he’s saddened after hearing about the fighters’ day-to-day problems. However, he believes that things like this happen in various other sports. DJ explained that he made less money than those fighters in the UFC but was smart with his savings and investments. The legendary fighter has already planned his funds for the rest of his life. 

Demetrious Johnson offers a solution to raise the MMA fight purse 

UFC has often attracted criticism for their low fighter’s pay. Despite his renowned record, Demetrious Johnson struggled financially throughout his stint in the UFC. He was among the most dominant champions, but his compensation did not match his performance. He was not given any pay-per-view points before getting exchanged to One Championship. 

Johnson’s situation demonstrates how fighters frequently earn less than in other major sports despite their considerable contributions to UFC. During a podcast with UFC veteran Rampage Jackson , DJ suggested an idea that could help fighters show resistance.

If every athlete in the world of MMA and everybody in the UFC, PFL, whatever maybe. If we say,’guys we’re not fighting.’ Yes, the organization can go out there and get another guy who’s gonna fight for cheaper…If that happens, the organizations have no other choice but to come to table and create a bargaining agreement. 

Demetrious Johnson via JAXXON Podcast 

Former UFC champion Francis Ngannou made the decision to part ways with the organization, choosing to stand against the system. Since then, Ngannou and Dana White have been embroiled in a heated dispute that shows no sign of resolution. Despite this, most of the UFC’s top superstars have refrained from voicing similar complaints, resulting in little to no major changes.