Max Holloway (Image Credits: Imagn)

Max Holloway Urges UFC Unity, Points to Jon Jones–Francis Snub as Proof Fighters Must Stand Together for Bigger Paydays

Originally posted on Total Pro Sports | By Sarthak Khanna | Last updated Mar 4, 2026 8:30 AM ET

Max Holloway has weighed in on the long-running debate surrounding fighter pay in the UFC, urging athletes to unite rather than undercut one another in negotiations. The former featherweight champion recently reflected on a pivotal moment that, in his view, perfectly captures why fighters struggle to secure higher purses.

Speaking candidly, Holloway pointed to the time Jon Jones publicly demanded $10 million to face Francis Ngannou in a superfight that fans had been clamoring for. According to Holloway, Jones’ request was met with resistance from the UFC, which reportedly declined to meet that figure.

“One time will always stick out to my mind,” Holloway said. “When Jon Jones said, ‘I’ll fight Francis, give me $10M’ and UFC say, ‘We’re not paying you that.’” What stood out even more to Holloway, however, was what happened next. Derrick Lewis publicly volunteered to step in for a fraction of that amount. “Derrick Lewis said, ‘What? Give me a mil and I’ll fight Francis now,’” Holloway recalled. “We cannot be doing that, brother.”

Max Holloway says UFC fighters need to work together to get higher pay from the UFC:

“One time will always stick out to my mind. When Jon Jones said, “I’ll fight Francis, give me $10M” and UFC say’ “We’re not paying you that.”

Derrick Lewis said, “What? Give me a mil and… pic.twitter.com/K1a7qVh6zS
— Home of Fight (@Home_of_Fight) March 4, 2026

For Holloway, that moment symbolized a deeper issue within the sport — a lack of collective leverage among fighters. Instead of rallying behind Jones’ demand, others were quick to accept far less, effectively weakening everyone’s negotiating position.

Max Holloway’s Call for Unity in UFC Pay Disputes

Max Holloway (Image Credits: Imagn)

Holloway believes fighters should view high-profile pay disputes as opportunities to raise the ceiling for the entire roster. In his eyes, if a superstar secures a massive payday, it can have a ripple effect across divisions.

“You needed to be almost in Jon’s corner, like, ‘Yeah Jon you deserve $10M, go get that,’” Holloway explained. “Cause guess what, if he’s fighting for ten, your base pay probably goes up too.”

The Hawaiian star’s comments echo sentiments long expressed by fighters advocating for better compensation structures in MMA. Unlike other major sports leagues with established unions and collective bargaining agreements, UFC athletes negotiate individually, often with limited leverage against the promotion.

Holloway’s argument is simple: solidarity strengthens bargaining power. If fighters consistently undercut one another for immediate opportunities, it becomes easier for the promotion to control salaries. But if they collectively support higher benchmarks set by elite names, it could gradually elevate minimum purses and overall compensation.

While whether such unity is realistically achievable remains uncertain, Holloway’s remarks have reignited discussion about fighter pay and the structural challenges athletes face in one of the world’s fastest-growing sports.

This article first appeared on Total Pro Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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