Former two-time UFC heavyweight Champion Speaks Out Against UFC Treatment: ‘They Disrespect Fighters All the Time’
Former UFC heavyweight champion Tim Sylvia recently opened up about his experiences with the UFC and expressed his disappointment with how he was treated by the organization. Despite having moved on from his MMA career and now participating in slap-fighting events, Sylvia hasn’t forgotten the mistreatment he endured towards the end of his time with the UFC.
During an interview with Submission Radio, Sylvia revealed that he was offered a contract by the UFC in 2012 to fight Daniel Cormier in Strikeforce. However, the deal fell through as the UFC ultimately decided not to proceed.
“They sent us a contract. They wanted us back after I put a big winning streak together,” Sylvia explained. “They asked me to fight DC, and we said yes. And then they guaranteed two more fights, win or lose, with the DC fight in the UFC. Cuz that was gonna be his last fight in Strikeforce altogether. And we greatly agreed to it.”
Sylvia stated that the contract was promising, with potential earnings of 80/80, 90/90, 100/100 based on winning. However, despite signing the contract and sending it back, Sylvia never received a response from the UFC. When his manager inquired about the contract, he was informed that Dana White had changed his mind.
“That’s what happened. It’s like, here’s the carrot, dangle it over you, and yeah, and they took it away,” Sylvia lamented. “That’s when I got really, really vocal, and I was really pissed off.”
At the time, Sylvia was on a 7-1 winning streak, which would typically be considered an impressive accomplishment for a former champion seeking a return to the UFC. However, Sylvia believes he wasn’t respected by Dana White and the Fertittas, the UFC’s former owners. He sees himself as just one example of the organization’s disrespect towards fighters.
“I was a disgruntled employee, and they were s—y bosses, I guess you could say,” Sylvia expressed. “And it’s obvious that’s the truth because I’m not the only one. It’s still going on. They disrespect fighters all the time. Look at the way Dana’s talked s— about Ngannou. He was supposedly the baddest man on the planet, and now that he left him he sucks? That’s just bulls—. Dana just talking s—, trying to make himself look better.”
Despite his criticisms, Sylvia doesn’t seem concerned about burning bridges with the UFC. He recently competed in another slap-fighting event and mentioned that several conditions would have to be met for him to consider joining Dana White’s Power Slap League. These conditions include being recognized as one of the owners of the Slap Fighting Alliance, receiving a verbal apology from Dana White, and being inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame—an outcome he doesn’t foresee happening.
While Sylvia’s focus has shifted to slap fighting, his recent comments serve as a reminder of the ongoing tensions between fighters and the UFC. As his journey continues in the slap-fighting world, fans eagerly await his upcoming matches and any further confrontations between Sylvia and Dana White.
UFC Finances: Record Revenue Surge in Q1 2023, but Net Income Takes a Hit
Bloody Elbow, in its latest report, has obtained significant insights into the UFC’s financial performance during the first quarter of 2023. While the organization witnessed increased revenue across various categories, its net income for the period experienced a decline. These findings come amid ongoing discussions regarding the planned merger between the UFC and the WWE.
According to the report, the UFC reported a total revenue of $306.7 million for the three months ended March 31, 2023. This represents a substantial growth of $47.1 million (or 18.1%) compared to the same period last year. Almost every revenue category contributed to this upward trajectory.
Domestic and international media rights and content accounted for $224.1 million in revenue, marking an increase of $37.4 million. This growth can be attributed to contractual revenue expansion, higher international renewals, and the addition of one additional pay-per-view (PPV) event.
Live event revenue reached $31.5 million, indicating an increase of $8.2 million. The rise was due to a higher number of events with live audiences, including the additional PPV event.
Sponsorship revenue amounted to $38.1 million, reflecting a $1.7 million increase. This was a result of attracting new sponsors and securing higher renewals from existing sponsors.
Consumer product licensing generated $13.2 million, experiencing a slight decrease of $0.2 million. Despite the overall revenue growth, the UFC’s net income for the first quarter of 2023 declined.
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