How to Turn the UFC into the NFL

For whatever reason, the more dangerous and physically challenging sports seem to be the worst the athletes have it. Baseball players have guaranteed un-capped deals. NBA players will see a proportionate amount of money from a bigger TV deal in that the salary cap will rise concurrently.

NFL players have a 100% injury rate, the same as the UFC. Concussions and sub-concussive trauma are huge concerns. NFL players see 47-48% of revenue from the league. They get an offseason. They can qualify for a pension, have comprehensive health care, doctors, trainers, coaches, gym, food. On the other hand, an NFL team can release a player at any point, in some cases paying out an injury settlement.

UFC COACHES AT UFC APPROVED AFFILIATE GYMS

The UFC would set practice guidelines that each fighter must follow under the direction of a UFC hired coach at a UFC approved gym. Once a fighter has a bout agreement, the fighter has to practice at the gym of an approved coach. Rules would be set for all gyms in how many days can be full contact, how long a fighter can train per day and how many people may be practicing on the mat when a UFC fighter is out there. The gyms would have cleanliness guidelines and several other rules including who can train/spar with a UFC fighter. In theory, we should see less injuries if the fighters aren't overtraining.

UFC RIGHTS

The UFC can cut a fighter at any point for any reason. The UFC can veto any sponsorship deal a fighter might get during employment. Fighters can be disciplined and fine a fighter for a list of possible infractions. Fighters can be fined for conduct detrimental to the league. UFC can set fines for excessive celebration, equipment violations and fouls that might occur in the cage. For example, a knee to a grounded fighter costing a fighter $1,000.

FIGHTER RESPONSIBLIITES

UFC Fighters must subject themselves to media questions once per week during a fight agreement. Fighters must have conference calls with media once per week during the last month of camp. Fighters to be paid a set amount to attend UFC autograph and meet and greet sessions. The fighters are obligated to attend all practice sessions depending on health.

CONTRACT AND BENEFITS

UFC approved trainers would be paid by the UFC at a rate the UFC would negotiate with them. Free meals while under an active fight contract delivered to them by (pick food service that would sponsor). They would be under full comprehensive medical coverage from the point of signing their deal. All fighters would negotiate a signing bonus, monthly stipend and per fight purse in any other additional bonuses. There would be a minimum signing bonus, a minimum bi-weekly amount and a minimum per fight amount. Fighters will a stipend for promotional appearances. Fighters get a set amount of free tickets for friends and family during fights.

RESIDUALS

UFC Fighters would get a share of video game revenue, apparel sales, sponsorship advertising and television revenue. Active fighters get a share of the Fight Pass revenue. Former fighters with injuries suffered in UFC competition can get free health care from those injuries. Pensions are available based on certain amount of fights in the UFC.

HOW WOULD IT WORK FOR DIFFERENT FIGHTERS?

Your 10-1 Iowa welterweight prospect who is signed to replace an injured fighter. He gets $5,000 bonus, $2,000 monthly contract and a $10/10K bout agreement. He currently trains out of a small gym in Des Moines. He chooses out of a list to train at Roufus Sport. The fighter is responsible for finding a place to live, in theory with his signing bonus. The UFC pays Roufus all training expenses, pays for all medicals and gets him a free gourmet healthy meal delivered each day. At the fight he does well, but loses a decision. He goes back to Iowa, collects $2,000 for the month after the fight while training in Iowa. He then signs another bout agreement and but decides on training with Greg Jackson this time as a spot opened up at his gym.

Denis Goltsov versus Paul Buentello

Here is Denis "The Russian Bogatyr" Goltsov fighting UFC veteran Paul Buentello at ACB 41 - Path to Triumph which took place on 6/15/16 in Sochi, Russia.

Goltsov is a 6'5" legit kickboxing prospect whose 13 fight win streak includes stoppages over Mike Kyle, James McSweeney, Brett Rogers and Roy Boughton. With heavyweight prospects in short supply, Goltsov is a interesting guy to keep an eye on.