Dana White reveals UFC veteran made $11million without ever fighting for world title

Dana White has revealed an unnamed UFC veteran made $11million just by staying active, without ever fighting for a world title.

The UFC’s pay structure, as is the case with many other sports, is often criticised, with White previously quashing such complaints by claiming fighters “eat what [they] kill.”

The unnamed veteran in question made it to the UFC from the Contender Series and has never fought for a world title, but was able to make a significant fortune merely by “staying active.”

White fielded a question regarding former New York Jets linebacker Anthony Wint, who enjoyed a whirlwind 11 days by securing the contract for then making his UFC debut.

Wint ascended to the UFC after his Week 1 performance in the CEO’s Contender Series on August 11 — a contract-winning outing which quickly paved the way for his debut fight against Terrance Chatman.

The debutant secured victory in Round 1 at UFC Sacramento, much to the glee of White, who used the question about Wint to segue into a discussion of the unnamed UFC fighter who amassed his fortune without requiring a title fight.

“Staying active is the move” - White reveals UFC veteran’s $11 million payday

Speaking about Wint first, White said: “"Eleven days. I love it. If you look at what the Contender Series has done for the UFC and for the business, and when you have these guys who come in and make a big impact, and then want to turn right around and fight.

“Look at Khamzat Chimaev on Fight Island. He's like, ‘I want to fight again next weekend.’ You tell me you want to fight again next weekend, you're fighting next weekend. I love it, and it's the right thing to do.

“First of all, if you're a fighter, more people know who you are. Your name gets out there faster. More people are talking about you on Sunday and Monday, and you make more money. I mean, it's just a no-brainer. I'd love to see more guys do it,” the UFC CEO concluded.

White then segued into a broader discussion about the Contender Series, which offers a clear pathway into the UFC for its strongest competitors.

“This show has paid fighters [collectively] $225 million dollars over the last 10 years. And one of the guys that never fought for a world title has made over $11 million,” revealed the CEO.

“Staying active and keeping yourself out there in everybody's faces [is] not only good financially, but you have a very limited amount of time to make a lot of money in any sport. So staying active is the move. I love it," concluded White, who Matchroom Boxing promoter Eddie Hearn threatened to sue earlier month, in response to comments made by the UFC CEO.

The Contender Series, referred to as DWCS, has seen the likes of Sean O’Malley, Jamahal Hill, Ricky Simon, and many more pass through its ranks as alumni.

Many of those fighters have gone on to enjoy prolonged careers in the UFC, amassing title opportunities, financial reward, and large fanbases.

DWCS began on July 17th 2017 with the goal of providing a clear, quick pathway to the UFC for fighters struggling to make it out of smaller leagues and competitions.

The show is currently on its 10th season, and in its third week of that instalment, with Wint ascending to the Ultimate Fighting Championship during Week 1 of its current series.