Amidst the already controversial landscape of combat sports contracts, ONE FC finds itself under increased scrutiny. Recent revelations about fighter contracts have reinvigorated debates over contractual fairness and transparency, with Adriano Moraes and Sardor Babayanov being the mentioned fighters.
The contract was recently revealed by South China Morning Post, and it has surprised the MMA community due to the vast disparity in compensation between veteran fighters and newcomers.
ONE Championship contract breakdown
Sardor Babayanov, a fresh face in the promotion, reportedly earns $1,500 to appear and could double that with a win. In contrast, former champion Adriano Moraes earned $100,000 per fight, with $50,000 as a win bonus in his first fight against Demetrious Johnson.
Although pay discrepancies are a norm in the industry, the questions of equitable compensation become more pressing given the risks involved in the sport. Beyond just pay, there are underlying concerns about restrictive clauses in the contracts. Moraes’ contract, for instance, grants perpetual rights over his image to the promotion.
Such terms could significantly hinder a fighter’s future earning potential. This is the first time that One Championship is facing accusations for reduced pay. Additionally, clauses that extend contracts under certain achievements, such as championship victories, or exclusive agreements and matching periods, restricts fighters from exploring in rival promotions.
Former ONE Flyweight Champion Adriano Moraes responds
In a recent statement, Adriano Moraes set the record straight regarding recent speculations around his contract with ONE Championship. Moraes praised the organization, confirming that he has been treated well and compensated adequately. “I am living the life of my dreams and I am financially secure,“ he commented, taking a stand against what he termed as fake news.
“I haven’t worked with my ex-manager since 2019, and I’m very grateful for the years of work,” stated the fighter, emphasizing his direct negotiations with ONE since their parting. He took the moment to praise ONE for its unique approach to athlete relations. The fighter reserved special gratitude for Chatri Sityodtong, the CEO of ONE Championship. He called Chatri “one of the most generous people I’ve met after my mom, of course.”
Closing his statement, Moraes referred to ONE as his second home and expressed his appreciation for the unwavering support he has received over the years. Moraes also teased about a potential matchup in the statement.
Do you think the contracts of One Championship are fair? comment below!
