UFC fighter Tyson Pedro has decided to call it a career after Saturday night’s loss. It’s not because he can’t fight anymore. But because he’s broke and doesn’t see his family enough.
32 After Pedro lost to Brazil’s Vitor Petrino, he left his gloves in the middle of the Octagon, a common sign of retirement.
Tyson Pedro just retired from MMA. pic.twitter.com/Blx7i3tqzr
— Veluta (@VelutaMMA) March 2, 2024
But what Pedro said in the post-match press conference drew even more attention.
“Given the (tax) deduction and losing tonight’s game, I’ll probably have to rob someone in the parking lot. … Who has the most?”
“Given the (tax) deduction and losing tonight’s game, I’m probably going to have to rob someone in the parking lot. … Who benefits the most?”
Tyson Pedro talks about financial challenges after retirement #UFCVegas87 retirement. pic.twitter.com/sG1vePRUsF
— MMA Junkie (@MMAJunkie) March 3, 2024
Pedro’s retirement was largely due to a lack of funding, which stands in stark contrast to the UFC’s strong revenue generation in 2023.
“According to financial institutions, report “The Las Vegas-based promotion from TKO Group Holdings, the parent company of UFC and World Wrestling Entertainment, generated $1.3 billion in revenue, up 13% year-over-year,” Sherdog reported. “Meanwhile, UFC revenue for the fourth quarter of 2023 was $282.8 million, up from $271.7 million in 2022.
“The promotion’s increased profitability is due to a 34% increase in live event revenue to a record $168 million in 2023.UFC generated 43 live events last year, according to the release. The increase was driven by ticket revenue and venue fees.”
But while the UFC is doing well, their fighters are among the top in the world. minimum wage In terms of revenue share and raw numbers, in every professional sport.
Pedro’s case is interesting. Because he’s not on the level of Jon Jones or any of the other high-paid fighters. He’s not even a resident of the lowest class. Pedro has 11 fights in the UFC and six wins, but he can’t afford to continue in the sport financially. If even a talented middle-class fighter like Pedro can’t make a living from the sport, imagine the situation for lower-class fighters…
