The topic of fighter compensation has always been a hotly debated issue in the MMA community, and it seems to have recently gained even more attention. Francis Ngannou, a former heavyweight champion, and Jake Paul, the popular YouTuber turned boxer, are among those who have spoken out, advocating for better pay for fighters in the Octagon.
However, one group that has come under fire amidst this discussion is the Octagon girls. These ladies, such as Brittney Palmer, Brookliyn Wren, and Arianny Celeste, are a constant presence at the UFC events, adding glamour and excitement to the proceedings. However, in a recent interview with Chael Sonnen, Jake Paul claimed that some Octagon girls earn more than UFC fighters, sparking controversy.
But Luciana Andrade, one of the current Octagon girls, has hit back at these claims, defending the role and emphasizing that it is not as lucrative as some people may believe. So, while pound-for-pound rankings and GOAT debates may get all the media attention, it’s clear that fighter compensation is a pressing issue that needs to be addressed in the world of MMA.
“It’s a big problem. How is Arianny Celeste… How does she make more money than some of the fighters in the Octagon who are risking their lives? Doesn’t make sense to me,” Paul said. “It’s just a big problem and I’m hoping to help change that and just help fighters realize, like, they are the content.”
Former UFC middleweight Uriah Hall isn’t the only athlete to voice concerns about fighter compensation. Le’Veon Bell, a three-time NFL Pro Bowl running back, spoke out on the issue during a media conference call before making his boxing debut in October. “Primetime” claimed that some boxers earn up to $60,000 less than Octagon girls, adding fuel to the ongoing debate surrounding fighter pay.
While athletes in combat sports put their bodies on the line every time they step into the ring or cage, many feel that they are not being adequately compensated for their efforts. It’s a complex issue with no easy solutions, but as more and more fighters speak out, it’s clear that change is needed in the industry.
“I know people that are making ($10,000 to show, $10,000 to win), which is ridiculous,” Hall noted. “‘Cause you’re going out there and fighting, and you’re putting your brain cells on the line, and f**king ring card girls are making $70,000, which is utterly f**king ridiculous.”
Despite the claims made by some individuals that Octagon girls earn more than UFC fighters, one of the frequent Octagon girls, Luciana Andrade, has called these accusations “crazy.” During an interview with Ariel Helwani on The MMA Hour, the Brazilian model expressed her disbelief that anyone would think that Octagon girls make more money than fighters.
Andrade stated that the allegations are absurd, with people using them as scapegoats for fighter pay. She highlighted the crucial role played by the fighters and the risks they take in the Octagon, emphasizing that they deserve fair compensation.
While the topic of fighter pay continues to be a contentious issue, it’s clear that Andrade and her fellow Octagon girls are not the cause of the problem.
“We have 14 girls across the globe and some girls work a few times a year because we don’t have international fights with the same frequency we have in the US,” Andrade said. “Let’s talk about the US girls. You work once, twice a month if you’re lucky. Do you really think we would be making more money than the fighters, than the broadcasters, than the commentators? It’s just crazy to me that people still think that’s true. We get so much hate whenever a fighter says something like that.
“It’s kind of irresponsible sometimes when you do know it’s not true but you do use us as a scapegoat to create hype or clicks. I have the most respect for fighters, it’s so entertaining for us to watch, but it comes with a sacrifice for them,” Andrade continued. “We never said we were more important than fighters, but of all the people you could use, you use us to complain about fighter pay!”
In addition to the ongoing debate surrounding fighter compensation, the UFC’s Octagon girls have also been making headlines for another reason. Former UFC lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov caused a stir with his comments about the ring card girls, calling them the “most worthless” aspect in MMA.
While the role of Octagon girls in the UFC is a subject of debate, it’s clear that they are an integral part of the promotion’s identity and have been a constant presence in the sport’s history.