The Expenses Of Being A Professional Cage Fighter - Interesting Reading

[Gabriel Suarez]

https://thumbor.forbes.com/thumbor/960x0/https%3A%2F%2Fspecials-images.forbesimg.com%2Fdam%2Fimageserve%2F806b04f9 c934430ebe855618be54899c%2F960x0.jpg%3Ffit%3Dscale

Recently disclosed financials shed light on the expense side of being an MMA fighter. (AP Photo/Steve Luciano) (https://www.forbes.com/sites/paulgift/2019/04/17/expenses-of-being-professional-cage-fighter-ufc-bellator-mma-news/?fbclid=IwAR0oZf1v7yPXWgjzYYMC8yn2YA9VVUlg3yT9I5dp npqxtk9rDEK9JM8Gc9c#4940f4b91eff)


The financial side of mixed martial arts can be murky waters to wade through relative to other major sports. As independent contractors, fighters are essentially small businesses who, like a neighborhood restaurant, have no guarantees of being successful or even turning a profit. In addition to paying for an agent or manager, fighters generally have to bear their own training expenses, certain travel expenses and even lesser-known expense items such as paying for commission-required pre-fight medical tests.

[chad newton]

Lol, good thing I didn’t try that.... I was in the academy in la with a kid that was on the ultimate fighter and I actually saw his name for a little bit. Another guy I grew up around who also has been going back and forth with mma stuff for a while. Neither one thinks that it is worth it unless you are the best. Just like anything, that is hard to be.

[Red Ryder]

I was waiting for this to be about CTE and other brain and joint damage that seems to be unavoidable in this career path. The uncertain financials and expenses make this even LESS attractive for those who believe it is a great career choice. These competitors are literally fodder for the promoters and fans who care little if they are injured. Few, like Royce Gracie or Randy Couture,, make a lot of of money and emerge unscathed.

A student of mine in the glory days of teaching martial arts thought about pursuing it. Good looking kid getting an MBA; I told him that the fight game was for people who did not have his advantages. He stayed in school, is quite successful with kids now and I might just have to ring him up to see if he regrets it. I think he owes me a steak!

[prestojo]

Few, like Royce Gracie or Randy Couture,, make a lot of of money and emerge unscathed.
Couture unscathed?

https://youtu.be/ikmkGbTVFV8

[barnetmill]

The expense angle is probably not so different from professional boxing, except the boxers can earn a lot more. There is also amateur boxing and Olympic team boxing for the very best. Last time I looked the top boxers were predominantly black for the heavy wt division. This is in part due to social position as already mentioned people with better prospects go to school and get decent jobs. The other part I think is genetics going back to slave breeding practices in the old days. This shows up in a lot of other professional and college level sports. I am not too knowledgeable about the mixed martial arts game.
A big thing in most sports is the betting angle. People especially love to wager on blood sports whether it is people or animals that are combating. Of course the horse and greyhound races are even bigger draws for that.

[Ted Demosthenes]

Didn't notice a reference how they manage/obtain/expense healthcare. What restrictions or coverage may or may not be available; I'm sure they need it. Maybe high-premium narrow-coverage similar to other high-risk-of-injury related business?