Solution to increase WEC fighter's pay
by Zak Woods on Sep 1, 2009 6:08 PM EDT
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Hold WEC events where there are more than 2,000 seats.
Actually let's get serious about this. MMA Junkie is reporting that WEC 42's live gate was 2,082 attendees for $175,835. for an average ticket price of $85.
Let's lower the average ticket price to let's say $60 and double the attendance. That would make the gate $240,000 or a 40% increase on gate revenue. How about leaving the ticket prices the same. Then the gate is $340,000 for a 94% increase in revenue.
Seeing a trend here?
If the WEC fighters are ever going to get paid what they deserve the WEC needs to hold events in larger arenas. Now if the WEC can't fill a 4,000 seat arena then what is the point of Zuffa keeping this a separate entity other than to fulfill their contract with Versus?
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The WEC has run its course, unfortunately.
Those fighters are never going to get paid what their UFC counterparts are making, it’s just not possible.
I think they could if they were folded into the UFC. Not the PPV buys quarter million to show level but more than 10K
watchkalibrun.com
But should they?
I still think it is and was a mistake to take all the best from the WEC and move it into the UFC in the higher weight divisions. The WEC was a) helping newer fighters make a name for themselves. b) giving them good almost-top-level fight experience c) allowing them to hone their skills before getting a call for the big show (ufc).
Now the WEC just has the lighter weight classes where the fighters are left saying “Is this it? Is this as big/good as it will get? How long can I do this fighting for 2,000 people.”. If feather/bantam weight divisions get real good, the UFC will absorb them and the same thing will happen. I think it’s to the UFC’s benefit that the fighters they bring in are experienced and reasonably well known before they get their shot.
Oh yeah, for sure. That’s where the money is. Urijah Faber would be making much more than $25K or whatever for each fight in the UFC.
The payscale would be the same as it is for current UFC fighters, although I assume they would have to finish out their current deals and then sign new ones to get the raise.
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