Eddie Hearn expressed shock after Sean O'Malley disclosed he earned approximately $600,000 for his UFC White House bout. Hearn pointed out that boxers in eight-round fights against lesser opponents are earning more than O'Malley received for that high-profile appearance, arguing that UFC fighters deserve significantly better compensation.
Matchroom Boxing promoter Eddie Hearn publicly criticized UFC fighter pay this week after bantamweight contender Sean O'Malley revealed he earned roughly $600,000 for his appearance at the UFC's White House event.
O'Malley, the 31-year-old American known as "Suga," disclosed the figure publicly, prompting Hearn to weigh in with sharp words about the disparity between combat sports promotions. Hearn argued that boxers competing in eight-round fights against significantly lower-profile opponents are taking home more money than O'Malley received for what was considered a marquee, high-visibility card. In Hearn's view, UFC fighters are being substantially underpaid relative to the exposure and revenue their performances generate.
O'Malley currently sits ranked fourth in the UFC bantamweight division with a professional record of 20-3-0. The six-foot-one southpaw out of Montana trains with MMA Lab and carries one of the most productive striking outputs in the sport, landing 6.05 significant strikes per minute at a 60 percent accuracy rate. His 72-inch reach and switch stance make him a difficult read for opponents, and his profile has grown considerably in recent years.
Why it matters
- A ranked bantamweight contender earning $600,000 for a high-profile UFC appearance has reignited debate over how the promotion compensates its fighters.
- Hearn's comments add mainstream boxing industry pressure to a conversation UFC athletes and their advocates have pushed for years.
- The pay gap argument could influence how current fighters and future prospects weigh their promotional options across combat sports.
Hearn's criticism lands as fighter compensation remains one of the most contentious topics in mixed martial arts, and a prominent outside voice from boxing's promotional world amplifies the scrutiny the UFC now faces on the issue.
