Comments on: Requested million dollar signing bonus brings Dan Henderson’s UFC negotiations to a screeching halt

By: edbuzz

edbuzz — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 13:47:35 +0000

These fighters aren’t morons. They see the money the UFC is making and they, rightfully so, want a bigger piece than the UFC has been giving them.

CAN ANY REAL FAN JUSTIFY FRANK MIR BEING PAID ONLY $45,000 FOR THE BEAT DOWN HE TOOK FROM BROCK LESNAR?

ESPECIALLY WHEN YOU CONSIDER THAT THE UFC 100 TOOK IN $87 MILLION IN PPV ALONE FOR UFC 100 AND ANOTHER $5 MILLION AT THE ARENA.

FRANK MIR WAS PART OF THE MAIN EVENT OF THAT CARD.

By: roshambo

roshambo — Sat, 24 Oct 2009 23:31:54 +0000

I wish there was more transperancy when it comes to fighters salaries. What does a fighter truly make? How many fighters get signing bonuses that we just don’t hear about as contract details are rarely released. How many fighters get a cut of the gate or ppv dollars? How much do fighters typically get from sponsors? How many other backroom deals are there to help get fighters extra money that the average fan has no clue about? Based on the base salaries that get released after the fights in all MMA organizations, it is obvious that many fighters are getting paid in many other ways than their “base salary” or else for what some of those paydays are, many would not be fighting for that amount of money. It is really easy to judge and point a finger and Dan Henderson or the UFC and call either side crazy but the reality is, we really probably don’t know what the norm in the industry is and at this point I really don’t take anyones word at face value anymore. Did Lesnar really make 4 million from his last fight at UFC 100? if so 1 million for Henderson doesn’t seem far fetched. Is he really asking for 1 million? I guess only time will tell. At this point I find it hard to guess or speculate who is in the right and who is full of it.

By: H3ro

H3ro — Sat, 24 Oct 2009 22:53:26 +0000

$1 million signing bonus?? LOL…UFC made who you are. Dan you are not a headline PPV draw.

By: Angry Mike

Angry Mike — Sat, 24 Oct 2009 20:55:36 +0000

I hope Hendo gets every nickel he can. Good for him. If he puts fans in the seats and brings ppv buys, he’s worth it. I suspect he and UFC will negotiate an acceptable contract in the near future. Both sides have something to gain and something to lose, which is the starting point for any transaction.

By: MMApride19

MMApride19 — Sat, 24 Oct 2009 18:33:41 +0000

I wouldnt believe to much of what you hear now to be honest guys. I think alot of you are worrying abit to much. Until there are official announcements, i rarely ever believe rumours, or in fact, anything that isnt official lol. Im from the UK, so i would LOVE for Hendo to remain in the UFC, or i will not get to see him fight (well i will, but id have to stream it off the internet.. which i REALLLY dont want to do, id much rather watch in HD lol). Henderson should remain in UFC IMO. He could go strikeforce, but if he beats Mousassi, and wins the belt.. he is going ot have to stay there lol. Which i wouldnt want to see… i wont get to see him fight then!!! And im a big fan of his. There is loads of big fights for him in UFC, not ONLY Marquardt and Silva. With Vitor Belfort in the picture now.. i would love to see that rematch. And even a grudge match between Wanderlei Silva and Hendo. There first two fights were awesome!!!

Also, all you guys complaining about the fighters wages need to stop…. they get alot more than you think. That initial salary isnt JUST what they get. Thats literally just the initial salary. The bigger names (including Hendo) like Liddell… Lesnar… Silva… GSP… Wanderlei Silva.. Griffin… and loads more, i guarentee they make well over a million per fight event. GUARENTEE it. Big names will get a share of the PPV event aswell. Plus any sponserships they have got… Promotional events before the fights… And other things they do.. it all adds up you know.

Yeh.. the fighters lower down dont get a fair ammount, i agree with that, but they have to work there way up… if they produce exciting fights… become fan favourites… there salaries will increase significantly.

By: Jstew3785

Jstew3785 — Sat, 24 Oct 2009 12:09:01 +0000

Hendo would not fight Sokojoke. They train together. Hendo is sort of his mentor.

By: cocoonofhorror

cocoonofhorror — Sat, 24 Oct 2009 07:53:06 +0000

at anyone that believes anything D’anus says, especially regarding fighter contracts or PPV numbers.

By: edub

edub — Sat, 24 Oct 2009 04:08:56 +0000

MMA-LOGIC: Henderson is 39 not 5. He knows what he can get elsewhere you fools and he is asking what he thinks he is worth (or has BEEN OFFERED) if he is asking for 1 million signing bonus it is because he knows that he can get that kind of deal elsewhere or a deal that benifits him that much at least. Another point of difference may be that he wants to fight Marquadt then Silva and the UFC doesn’t want to do that. Because we all know whether we want to admitt it or not that the UFC gives title shots to those it wants to and not always those who deserve it.If he leaves for SF or Dream he may have a more suited contract and will, without a doubt have more freedom (to fight where and when he wants), he may also get the title shot that he deserves. He will also be able to fight such fighters as…Misaki (3 time and it is 1 all), Filho, Mousasi, Jacare, Lawler, Rua, Smith, Miller and perhaps guys like Santiago too, instead of being restricted to just UFC fighters.So everyone that is saying “oh he is so stupid” think a little and discover that Hendo is not the silly one…you are.

All true. Except I think he would wanna fight in the LHW division. I wouldnt be surprised if he fought the winner of Sokoudjou vs Mousasi for his first fight with the promotion.

By: MMA-LOGIC

MMA-LOGIC — Sat, 24 Oct 2009 03:19:17 +0000

I realize that what I have just said will get voted heavily in the dislike column. Because (A) people don’t want to hear the truth or even another persons version of what the reasons could be for Hendo’s actions and (B) Nthuggers are common place here. If this was reversed and he was with SF and in negotiations with the UFC I would just about bet my life that he would get overwhelming support by a lot of those that are saying derogatory comments now.

By: MMA-LOGIC

MMA-LOGIC — Sat, 24 Oct 2009 03:01:35 +0000

Henderson is 39 not 5. He knows what he can get elsewhere you fools and he is asking what he thinks he is worth (or has BEEN OFFERED) if he is asking for 1 million signing bonus it is because he knows that he can get that kind of deal elsewhere or a deal that benifits him that much at least. Another point of difference may be that he wants to fight Marquadt then Silva and the UFC doesn’t want to do that. Because we all know whether we want to admitt it or not that the UFC gives title shots to those it wants to and not always those who deserve it.
If he leaves for SF or Dream he may have a more suited contract and will, without a doubt have more freedom (to fight where and when he wants), he may also get the title shot that he deserves. He will also be able to fight such fighters as…Misaki (3 time and it is 1 all), Filho, Mousasi, Jacare, Lawler, Rua, Smith, Miller and perhaps guys like Santiago too, instead of being restricted to just UFC fighters.
So everyone that is saying “oh he is so stupid” think a little and discover that Hendo is not the silly one…you are.

By: Vogairian

Vogairian — Sat, 24 Oct 2009 01:24:09 +0000

Matthew: He is worth it and has the credentials to prove it. Just because the UFC (and it would appear, yourself) don’t believe he is a draw cannot dispute the facts in his impressive career. He is a great, not just good, great fighter and would take apart all at MW (Anderson the only exception) and most a LHW in the UFC. If he were marketed by his employer as such he would generate the revenue for the UFC to pay him his signing bonus.

I think this right here sums up why he isn't worth it. He can't beat Anderson and I don't see him challenging for the LHW title. Why give a guy who you have a good feeling won't ever be champ again top end money? Let's not forget that he's knocking on the big 40's door and this is a sport where a guy can just lose it in a matter of fights. I Think Hendo's a great fighter and should get payed well... but a One Mil signing bonus is just silly.

By: egad81

egad81 — Sat, 24 Oct 2009 01:05:01 +0000

A professional fighters association would be great for guys that fight but would suck for promoters like ZUFFA.
I think HENDO should fight for the 205 belt in strikeforce and then do some fights in Japan

By: JOEgun

JOEgun — Sat, 24 Oct 2009 00:12:32 +0000

Why even consider going to Strikeforce Dan? Because you know you can very likely become their champ in middleweight or light heavyweight (and build a bigger fan base by fighting on CBS). Is it because climbing the UFC ladder has become too hard and your clock is ticking? Perhaps thats what it is and although theres not really anything wrong with that, but I believe he would prefer to retire with the best MMA organization in the world. So quit wasting time Dan! Sign the contract and start thinking about how you are going to get past Nate because Nate is not only younger than you and more well rounded he is very HUNGRY for another shot at the spider. Im picking Nate by unanimous decision once the match is set. Dan will never win the title in the UFC so maybe he should go to SF. Awh heck, I dont even care at this point. UFC 104 TOMORROW NIGHT WOOHOOO!! CANT WAIT!!

By: Matthew

Matthew — Sat, 24 Oct 2009 00:11:50 +0000

Sergio Hernandez: Whether the $1M signing bonus is true or not, Hendo is definitely NOT worth it.

He is worth it and has the credentials to prove it. Just because the UFC (and it would appear, yourself) don't believe he is a draw cannot dispute the facts in his impressive career. He is a great, not just good, great fighter and would take apart all at MW (Anderson the only exception) and most a LHW in the UFC. If he were marketed by his employer as such he would generate the revenue for the UFC to pay him his signing bonus.

By: JOEgun

JOEgun — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 23:59:01 +0000

Yea it seems a bit fishy to me. But I doubt the UFC is trying to screw Dan over. I think Dan is playing a little hardball to get as much as he can but it seems to be getting a little out of hand. I definitely dont believe the UFC is trying to give one of their best stars a crappy contract, in fact Im sure he’s already getting a generous offer. So if Dan said before that he is not interested in fighting anywhere else and his next fight will be Marquardt then the Spider SIGN THE FREAKIN CONTRACT ALREADY AND GET YOUR BUT IN THE GYM!!

By: Sergio Hernandez

Sergio Hernandez — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 23:50:43 +0000

Matthew: I don’t believe this is a per fight figure like some are making it out to be. Its just a “Signing Bonus”. Not like they can’t afford it to keep one of the best fighters of all time on their roster. This reeks of “We can’t give it to him because then they will all ask for it when signing”. You would think they are smart enough to realise who to grant these bonuses to and who not to. Dan Henderson is worth his asking bonus.Give him his title shot.

Whether the $1M signing bonus is true or not, Hendo is definitely NOT worth it.

By: Matthew

Matthew — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 23:39:33 +0000

I don’t believe this is a per fight figure like some are making it out to be. Its just a “Signing Bonus”. Not like they can’t afford it to keep one of the best fighters of all time on their roster. This reeks of “We can’t give it to him because then they will all ask for it when signing”. You would think they are smart enough to realise who to grant these bonuses to and who not to.

Dan Henderson is worth his asking bonus.
Give him his title shot.

By: moosebaby02

moosebaby02 — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 22:52:12 +0000

like really if dana is hording all that money why does everyfighter (except fedor) trying to get into the money hungry UFC?????? I know i will get the thumbs down but NOT EVERYTHING is let out for the public to see

By: moosebaby02

moosebaby02 — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 22:50:19 +0000

Vogairian i have been trying to tell that to the people on here who thinks that Zuffa and Dana make a mad dash for their homes as soon as one of their cards are done. It coast alot to put one of these shows on but there is no point and trying to explain that to close minded people who dont know the ins and outs of how the old mighty dollar rolls

By: jj

jj — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 20:52:36 +0000

The public data on these contract negotiations and signing bonuses is always skewed one way or another. Seeing as most of the “data” has come from Dana and its all been said to be incorrect, you have to wonder, why is Dana even putting it out there unless he’s trying to get people on his side. Either way, so much of this is rumour and speculation it’s not really worth getting into.