{
  "id": 15886180,
  "title": "MVP urges MMA fighters to form union over pay",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/21/mvp-urges-mma-fighters-to-form-union-over-pay",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-10-21T12:21:59.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "BBC Sport",
    "slug": "bbc-sport",
    "url": "https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/mixed-martial-arts/articles/cqe9ldzp9n73o?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "MVP, a former UFC fighter, is urging MMA athletes to unite and form a union in order to secure better pay and treatment. The 39-year-old, also known as Venom, recently signed a contract with Misfits Boxing, where he claims to earn significantly more than he did in the UFC. Venom, who won five out of six fights in the UFC, has criticized the financial disparity between MMA and other professional sports. He points to the Muhammad Ali Act, a 2000 US law aimed at protecting boxers' rights and preventing monopolies, as a model that MMA could adopt.\n\nVenom emphasizes that the power lies with the fighters themselves - if they collectively say \"we're not gonna do it\", the UFC and other MMA promotions would cease to exist. He believes that forming a union is key to improving fighter pay and conditions, likening it to the Muhammad Ali Act's success in boxing. While acknowledging the financial struggles many fighters face, Venom admits he might have approached his UFC career differently if he had been more aware of the importance of financial stability in elite sports.\n\nDespite his criticisms, Venom expressed appreciation for his time in the UFC, praising the promotion's staff, Performance Institute, and fan base. However, he acknowledged that the game has changed, focusing more on fighters willing to endure harsh conditions to succeed. Venom aims to create a healthier financial environment for MMA fighters, potentially through better pay, improved treatment, and increased competition among promotions.",
  "summary": "Michael 'Venom' Page says MMA fighters need to form a union and \"move as one\" if they want to secure better pay in the sport.",
  "key_points": [
    "Former UFC fighter MVP urges MMA fighters to form a union for better pay and treatment.",
    "39-year-old Venom signed contract with Misfits Boxing, earning more than in UFC.",
    "Venom cites Muhammad Ali Act as model for MMA union, emphasizing collective power of fighters."
  ],
  "editors_take": "Advocating for a union modeled after boxing laws signals a shift toward collective bargaining to challenge the financial dominance of major MMA promotions and secure better athlete treatment.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}