Coker (photo via Bellator.com)

By FCF Staff

After the compensation model for the UFC’s uniform deal with Reebok was disclosed last week, it’s safe to say the reaction to the figures has been mixed…

While many fighters have come out in favor of the agreement, there has also been considerable criticism of the deal, stemming from both fighters and industry figures.

Recently MMA Fighting.com spoke to Bellator President Scott Coker, and while the former ZUFFA employee did not criticize the agreement himself, he did relay the following:

I think there’s been some situations that have been explained to me where fighters were making $50-60,000 a fight from all their sponsors [are] now making $10,000 or $15,000 or $20,000. You’d have to talk to UFC to see how they’re going to handle that situation, but I’m sure they’re going to do something. The fighters are not going to be happy if it’s taking out $150-$200,000 a year in sponsorships from their pocket…

I will tell you this, the phone’s been ringing. I just tell people, ‘Listen. We’re not going to engage in any kind of dialogue with you on any level unless you’re a free agent. When you’re free, give me a call.’

Currently Bellator does not tax fighters on their sponsorship money, and the promotion’s athletes are free to secure sponsorship deals as long as they do not conflict with the company’s corporate sponsorships.

UFC fighters will only be permitted to wear Reebok uniforms during fight week, beginning in July.