Stephen A. Smith Reacts to UFC’s ‘Slave Contracts’ on Jake Paul’s Show after Viral Bedroom Question

Published 10/07/2022, 10:30 AM EDT
YouTube sensation Jake Paul has long been an advocate for fighter pay in combat sports. Moreover, he has been the frontrunner in calling out UFC president Dana White on the issue of fighter pay, which has troubled the promotion over the past few years.
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The Problem Child was at it again on his latest sports show B/S with Jake Paul, where he described the contracts of UFC fighters in detail. He stated that the fighters get locked into extended contracts, preventing them from leaving the promotion. “They get locked into these contracts where they get locked into contracts when if they win a certain number of fights and if they continue to progress up their weight division and if they win a fight to go into the championship their contract automatically triggers for 3 more fights and then if you become a champion you get three more fights,” he said.
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Moreover, he then referred to the contracts as ‘slave contracts’, as the fighters cannot dispute it. “There is no way to dispute it and if you wanna defend your belt and you win then you’re automatically locked in for three more fights. These contracts are slave contracts,” he added’
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This was not all, as ESPN journalist and media personality Stephen A. Smith reacted to Paul’s rant about fighter contracts. He also gave an example of how athletes from the NBA also sometimes sign contracts that might be unfavorable for them in the long term.
Stephen A. Smith reacts to Jake Paul accusing the UFC
Smith stated that although the fighters do have a case when it comes to their pay, it is their free will to sign their contracts. He then gives the example of Scottie Pippen, who signed a highly undervalued contract with the Chicago Bulls. “I’m not here to imply that fighters don’t have a case. I’m quite sure there is always something. I cover the NBA. Let me give you a perfect example of Michael Jordan and the Chicago Bulls when they 3 peated as champions. Not once but twice every single one of those championships Scottie Pippen was on it. Scottie Pippen was grossly underpaid. We highlighted it.” he said.
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Smith added that the owner of the Bulls did give Pippen the option not to sign the contact. However, Pippen signed the undervalued contract, anyway. ” Jerry Reinsdorf, the owner of the Chicago Bulls, looks at Scotty and says don’t sign this contract. I’m not gonna re negotiate till your contract expires. I’m telling you this is a good deal for year one or 2 but overall this is a bad deal for you. Don’t do this because you’re not gonna be able to come back to me and renegotiate. Scottie Pippen said do hell with that I need this now I’m taking the deal.” he added.
Dec 18, 2021; Tampa, FL, USA; Jake Paul celebrates after knocking out Tyron Woodley (not pictured) at Amalie Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
According to Smith, Pippen’s situation was similar to that of current UFC fighters. However, there are a lot more intricacies involved in these contracts with the UFC being in the spotlight.
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What did you think about Stephen A. Smith’s reaction? Let us know in the comments.