UFC president Dana White made some attention-grabbing statements ahead of UFC 268. The ever-outspoken executive went on the YouTube show Pardon My Take on fight week to reveal that a UFC 268 “prelim fighter” made $750,000.
In the process, White mentioned the supposed salary of two-time world boxing champion Badou Jack.
“You know this kid Bo (Badou) Jack? The boxer, right? Former world champion. He’s fighting this weekend, I guess, in the Middle East,” White said. “And he’s making $75,000. A guy who isn’t even… he’s on the prelims. Never been a world champion — and I won’t mention his name — is making $750,000.
“Prelim fighter. Never been a world champion is making $750,000.”
As it is with everything that goes viral even the slightest bit, White’s statements eventually got to Jack, who issued this reply.
Lmao @danawhite I would never fight for that type of money ever in my life. Not sure who told you these lies ♂️. That won’t even cover my training camp. But thanks for the free promotion https://t.co/UUSDtU8hTd
— Badou Jack (@BadouJack) November 11, 2021
“Lmao @danawhite I would never fight for that type of money ever in my life. Not sure who told you these lies. That won’t even cover my training camp. But thanks for the free promotion,” he wrote.
It’s worth noting that Jack’s reported salaries go way beyond the $75,000 that White claims. In 2017, he earned disclosed paydays of $750,000 and $700,000 in his title fights against Nathan Cleverly and James DeGale, respectively. In 2019, he reportedly earned $500,000 in his unanimous decision loss to Marcus Browne.
He also reportedly received a similar $500,000 in his 2020 bout against Blake McKernan. Those public purse figures don’t include any side deals and cut from the event revenue.
The 38-year-old Jack (24-3-3 with 14 KOs), is scheduled to face South Africa’s Johnny Muller on November 26 in Dubai.
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