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The Economist reveals median UFC fighter salary

Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) is making headlines overseas, partly because of interim featherweight champion Conor McGregor, but mostly because of its ongoing battle with the Las Vegas Culinary Union, which along with this lawsuit, is trying to persuade fighters to unionize.

Mr McGregor reportedly earned $500,000 (not including bonuses or sponsorships) for a recent bout. But most UFC fighters make decidedly less. The median pay per fight is $24,500, and most pugilists get in the ring only a couple of times a year. Some fighters think the muscle of a union might help them get better pay and more say.