Max Holloway: Why Derrick Lewis undercutting Jon Jones hurt every UFC fighter

Max Holloway has shared his take on the never-ending debate about fighter pay.

Several UFC stars have been irked by Dana White paying Conor Benn $15 million for one fight with Zuffa Boxing.

‘Blessed’ believes there is only one way UFC fighters will collectively improve their financial situation.

Max Holloway implores UFC fighters to band together

Max Holloway was asked about UFC fighter pay and how to improve it during a recent interview with MMA legend Demetrious Johnson.

The Hawaiian fan favorite claimed that athletes must all work together if they want their pay to go up.

Holloway used Jon Jones demanding $30 million to fight Francis Ngannou as a perfect example.

Instead of being backed by his peers, ‘Bones’ had to contend with Derrick Lewis publicly claiming he’d be willing to face Ngannou for $22 million less.

“Hopefully, fighters can get together and start being smart,” Holloway said.

“One time will always stick out in my mind. When Jon Jones said, ‘I’ll fight Francis, give me [$30 million]’ and UFC said, ‘We’re not paying you that.’ Derrick Lewis, who was ranked at the time, said, ‘What? Give me [$8 million], and I’ll fight Francis now.’

“We cannot be doing that, brother. You needed to be almost standing in Jon’s corner, like, ‘Yeah, Jon, you deserve $10M, go get that.’ Cause guess what, if he’s fighting for [$30 million], your base pay probably goes up too.

“These new fighters coming in, just know your worth… At the end of the day, hold your ground, the UFC knows what your worth is.”

Max Holloway to headline UFC 326

Max Holloway will return to the Octagon at UFC 326 in Las Vegas on Saturday night.

The BMF champion will put his belt on the line against Charles Oliveira in the main event.

Whoever wins will be in a prime position to challenge for the lightweight title later this year.

Ilia Topuria and Justin Gaethje are expected to unify the 155lb division in the summer.

By beating Oliveira, Holloway can secure a massive rematch with whoever wins that matchup.