1/ The UFC is preparing to cut over 60 fighters from its roster.

Here’s why

2/ Due to COVID-19, the UFC has hosted events without fans for much of 2020 creating a massive loss of expected revenue.

In May, Dana White projected the UFC would lose more than $100 million without ticket revenue in 2020.

3/ An increase in recent signees from “Dana White’s Contender Series” has led to an inflated athlete roster for the UFC.

The UFC is able to pay fighters from #DWCS lower salaries than veteran fighters because most have yet to gain popularity with fans.

4/ On Friday, Yoel Romero was the first big name released from the promotion. The Cuban fighter had 3 fights remaining on his contract.

More veteran fighters are expected to be among those cut in the coming weeks due to their high per-fight salaries.

5/ Last year, the UFC paid its fighters just 16% of its revenue, or less than $150 million.

That’s a stark contrast to the 48%-50% the NBA, NFL and MLB share with their players.

6/ In 2019, the UFC generated ~$900 million in revenue and dividends totaling more than $300 million were paid out to investors.

It was the first dividend payout since Endeavor paid $4 billion for 50% of the UFC in 2016.

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