Ben Askren’s recent health struggles have become the latest ammunition for one of his old rivals to reignite a long-standing feud with UFC President Dana White, this time with a focus on fighter pay. The outspoken ex-fighter, who has often been critical of White’s leadership, now finds himself using Askren’s declining health as a platform to continue his crusade against the UFC’s pay structure.
Askren, a former MMA fighter and Olympic wrestler, has been open about his battles with various health issues following his retirement from professional fighting. The 39-year-old has struggled with chronic injuries, including issues stemming from his time in the octagon. Recently, he’s shared more about how these health problems have affected his day-to-day life, which has led to renewed attention on the aftereffects of a career in combat sports.
However, it’s not just his health struggles that are making headlines. In a series of pointed comments, one of Askren’s former rivals—who has long criticized Dana White and the UFC—has used this moment to blame the UFC’s president for the financial struggles of fighters, including Askren. According to the rival, the UFC’s pay structure is a major contributing factor to the toll combat sports takes on fighters’ bodies and mental health.
“This is exactly what happens when fighters are treated like commodities,” the rival, who asked to remain unnamed, remarked in an interview. “Ben Askren’s health problems are just another example of how fighters are pushed to their limits without proper compensation or support. Dana White and the UFC are directly responsible for this. They profit off our pain, and they don’t even ensure we are taken care of after we’ve given everything in the cage.”
The comments have once again placed the spotlight on fighter pay in the UFC, a contentious issue that has been a source of debate for years. Many fighters, past and present, have criticized White for the UFC’s handling of fighter salaries, often pointing to the disparity between the wealth the organization generates and the amount fighters are compensated. Some have even accused White of devaluing their contributions, citing the UFC’s lucrative revenue streams, which include multi-million-dollar television deals and pay-per-view events.
While Dana White has regularly defended the UFC’s compensation model, insisting that fighters are well-paid compared to other professional sports, the criticism from former fighters like Askren’s rival continues to gain traction among certain sections of the MMA community. Critics argue that the structure favors the UFC’s top stars, while leaving mid-tier and lower-tier fighters with insufficient pay for the risks they take in the cage.
Ben Askren, known for his brash demeanor both inside and outside the octagon, has also been vocal about his feelings towards the UFC and White. Although his health struggles have been deeply personal, they’ve inadvertently aligned with this larger narrative about fighter compensation. His former rival, now using Askren’s situation to attack White, has drawn attention to the harsh realities of post-fight health and the financial disparity within the sport.
White has yet to respond to these latest accusations, and it remains to be seen whether Askren’s health issues will lead to meaningful conversations about the treatment of fighters after their careers are over. The UFC President has often dismissed criticisms related to fighter pay, but the growing chorus of voices, including that of Askren’s rival, is putting additional pressure on the organization to address these concerns more directly.
As the debate continues to unfold, Ben Askren’s health problems have unintentionally amplified the conversation about how the UFC compensates its athletes and the broader issue of fighter welfare. Fans and fighters alike will be watching closely to see how this story evolves and whether it leads to any tangible changes in the UFC’s approach to fighter compensation.
