Former UFC Welterweight Champion Carlos Newton didn’t hold back in his scathing criticism of the UFC’s business model during this week’s Nevada State Athletic Commission (NSAC) hearing. The veteran fighter—who played a key role in the ongoing UFC antitrust lawsuit—called out what he sees as systemic exploitation in MMA, saying bluntly: “It is not a sport.” 😳⚖️
Newton’s comments come amid renewed discussion of the Muhammad Ali American Boxing Revival Act, a bill that could impact how combat sports promotions operate—particularly concerning fighter rights and promotional monopolies.
“Currently, athletes are not allowed to compete for other promotional titles in MMA,” Newton told the NSAC. “It’s the only professional sport in the world where promoters control both rank and title while having athletes under exclusive contracts.”
Newton argued that this setup creates a monopoly, preventing fighters from competing freely or earning what the market would fairly pay them. 🥊💸
He went on to compare the UFC’s system to outdated practices from the 1800s, saying:
“Managers work for the promoter now — they’re just brokers. No one has any bargaining power. This is the same as boxing in 1825 before New York State stepped in to create independent sanctioning bodies.”
According to Newton, fighters are essentially working for promoters, not for the sport, which undermines the entire idea of fair athletic competition.
“Nevada allowed the UFC to run its course without independent sanctioning bodies,” he said. “Athletes compete for the promoter. That is unfair. It is not a sport.”
The discussion arrives just as Zuffa Boxing—backed by the Saudi Arabia General Entertainment Authority—is set to launch in 2026 with a major deal on Paramount. But Newton fears that the UFC’s business model is being copied, not corrected.
“This is just putting lipstick on a pig,” Newton warned. “When a promoter like the UFC can create an interim champion whenever they want because they won’t negotiate with athletes, it’s exploitation. It’s a sham and a fraud on the public.” 🚨🔥
Whether the Ali Revival Act will bring real reform remains to be seen — but Newton’s words have reignited the debate about fighter rights, fair pay, and the true definition of a sport. 👊🏽📣
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