Video: Is it time for an MMA fighters' association? UFC fighters discuss

The idea of a fighters’ association has been a hot topic in MMA for years. However, the cause has gained momentum recently, spurred on by the formation of two groups looking to establish better representation for fighters.

MMAjunkie caught up with several UFC fighters in recent months to discuss their feelings on the possibility. While the concept of a fighters association has support from many, there are some holdouts to the idea.

Joe Lauzon (26-12 MMA, 13-9 UFC), who previously spoke out about fighters attempting to negotiate and crowdfund additional travel for their coaches and cornermen, was one who expressed doubts on the efficacy of a new association.

“The fighters on their own all have different values,” Lauzon said. “It’s not like you have this team or that team. A lot of bigger sports like the NFL have their teams and a lot of players on that team. But it’s different. We have a different dynamic. I’m not necessarily against a fighters’ union, I just think it’s going to be tough to get everyone what they want. Everyone wants what’s best for them.”

One of the big names on the other side of the issue is Anthony Johnson (22-5 MMA, 13-5 UFC). The No. 3 fighter in the USA TODAY Sports/MMAjunkie MMA light-heavyweight rankings and UFC 206 title challenger for Daniel Cormier’s belt gave the idea of an association his full-throated support.

“We deserve it,” Johnson said. “We’re supposed to be the top athletes in the world.

“In every which way, we don’t get represented enough. We don’t get paid enough, we don’t get promoted enough, but they want us to go out there and fight our butts off – which we do every single time. We should have all the same things the other top athletes have. We’re no different than they are.”

Check out the full video above to hear thoughts from more UFC fighters.

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