Former UFC lightweight contender Gray Maynard shared a story of how he was given a “hush money” bonus by the UFC following his war with Frankie Edgar at UFC 125.<\/p>\n
Maynard and Edgar put on one of the greatest lightweight title fights of all-time back at UFC 125 in January 2011. The two veterans fought back-and-forth for 25 minutes in what was scored a split draw by the judges. It’s a fight that will more than likely land in the UFC Hall of Fame’s “Fight Wing” sometime in the near future.<\/p>\n
Despite headlining the event, Maynard made only $26,000 disclosed to show and $26,000 to win for the fight against Edgar, who was on a $51,000 to show and $51,000 to win deal. Because the fight was a draw, neither man was required to be paid their win bonuses, although it was later revealed the UFC honored that part of the pay because the fight was so good. It was the least the UFC could do for the amazing fight these two put on.<\/p>\n
In fact, Maynard says the UFC slipped him even more than that under the table. Writing to his fans on Twitter<\/a>, Maynard said that the UFC paid him a $100,000 bonus for the fight under the table, which he calls “hush money.” This is what has been historically referred to as a “locker-room bonus.”<\/p>\n They gave me a $100k bonus. I remember a thought crossed my mind walking to the cage I was going to be broke if I lost. Because I spent $20k on my training camp. I was only guaranteed $26k. I don\u2019t think it\u2019s called a bonus, more like \u201chush money\u201d https:\/\/t.co\/EW5clAQYXu<\/a><\/p>\n — Gray Maynard (@GrayMaynard) June 6, 2020<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n\n