Over at Hype Brazil, the checks haven’t even been distributed, even though the promotion’s most recent card ended more than a month ago. That’s according to a report from MMA Fighting, which indicates all 17 of the fighters it contacted — across both Hype Brazil events — have yet to be paid for their combat sports services.
Staff and celebrities hired to promote the show weren’t compensated either, according to the report. To make matters worse, Hype officials reportedly threatened to withhold money from fighters complaining on social media. I can’t imagine there will be a Hype Brazil 3 after this embarrassing (but all-too-familiar) debacle.
This is why we have athletic commissions and guaranteed purses.
It’s also discouraging for combatants who look to supplement their incomes with side hustles. So far everything has been on the level at RAC, where UFC stars of past and present often compete, but anytime a fighter participates in these pop-up promotions they run the risk of not getting paid.
Get the money up front or walk.
