UFC-Reebok Athlete Outfitting Policy pay scale adjusted, newcomers receive bump in base pay

The UFC’s Athlete Outfitting Policy stemming from its sponsorship agreement with Reebok will feature some adjustments in 2018.

According to a “UFC Promotional Guidelines” document released by UFC brass to fighters (first reported by ESPN), promotional rookies who have between one and three UFC bouts will see a bump in base pay from $2,500 to $3,500. Those with four or five octagon appearances will join the second tier of the payout structure, which pays $5,000 to those with up to 10 bouts.

“This gives the shorter-tenured fighters on our roster an increase,” UFC Chief Operating Officer Lawrence Epstein said. “We felt this was the most impactful, meaningful way to get more money to our athletes.”

The remainder of the structure will remain the same, with fighters with 11 to 15 UFC bouts (including any appearance from the now-defunct WEC organization from January 2007 on and from the now-defunct Strikeforce organization from April 2011 on) getting $10,000. Fighters with 16-20 bouts receive $15,000, and anyone with 21 or more fights getting $20,000.

Title challengers or those competing for vacant or interim belts receive $30,000, while titleholders receive a maximum program payout of $40,000.

The UFC launched its Athlete Outfitting Policy beginning at UFC 189 in July 2015 after the promotion signed a six-year agreement with Reebok reportedly worth more than $70 million. To date, the Athlete Outfitting Policy has paid $16,445,500.

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