Prior this week, we heard about Sara McMann’s viewpoint on the UFC-Reebok deal and how it affects female fighters.

McMann had stated in her interview with MMA Hour, that she would be consulting a lawyer and following up with the UFC on the issue and that she believed the deal did “look discrimintory against women”. She believes that since women were not allowed in the UFC until 2013, they would have less fights that would count in the tier system, which can be percieved has unfair. Many other UFC fighters have publically denounced the UFC-Reebok deal.

On Thursday, the UFC released an official statement stating,

“The new UFC Athlete Outfitting Policy (AOP) equally recognizes each athlete’s tenure in UFC, as well as any bout appearances in the WEC and Strikeforce for the period those organizations were under the Zuffa, LLC ownership. Women fighters with limited bouts under the tenure model are treated the same as other experienced men or women new to UFC from other organizations not included in the tenure model. This new policy was designed to provide an equal opportunity for both men and women in each tenure tier. In addition, the champions and challengers, regardless of tenure, will be equally compensated under the AOP for their bouts, something few other sports can claim.”

The UFC is not backing down from the current tier system, and will not be making adjustments for women fighters shorter careers.

The current tier system would leave 85% of WMMA fighters in the first tier, only making $2,500. This contributes to the negative feedback from numerous UFC fighters and MMA managers. It is believed that 85 to 90 percent of fighters will be negatively impacted fromt this deal.

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