05-06-2025
Heavy Hitters
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Former UFC stars say the organisation is built on their pain, not their pay
Some of the biggest names in Australian mixed martial arts say they were pushed to their physical and financial limits while the UFC made over a billion dollars in revenue.
In this week's Four Corners, reporter Mahmood Fazal speaks to former fighters who describe a culture of exploitation, secrecy, and lasting damage.
Professional fighters share what it's like to be locked into restrictive contracts, take punishing fights, and end up broke or broken after years in the cage.
The UFC has grown into a $12.1 billion business, a dominant force in global sport, and even in American politics. It's received public money and public support here in Australia.
But evidence suggests the company has kept wages low, limited competition, and left fighters with few options.
Fighters are challenging the UFC in US courts, with one class action recently settled for $375 million.
As Australia embraces the UFC, Heavy Hitters reveals the cost for the fighters who risk so much for the spectacle.
Heavy Hitters, reported by Mahmood Fazal and produced by Lesley Robinson, goes to air on Monday 9 June at 8.30pm on ABC TV and ABC iview.
