The biggest issue the UFC is dealing with right now might be the recent backlash regarding fighter pay. UFC president Dana White has fired back at critics in various ways in regards to the criticism, even considering getting rid of performance bonuses to pay lower-tier fighters more. He claims that the fighters chose to keep those bonuses though, and they'll stick with the same system going forward.
White specifically mentioned how fighter pay works for exciting guys like Sam Stout and Joe Lauzon, and Lauzon was asked what he thinks about the issue in a recent radio interview on The Metro South Morning Show. It shouldn't come as much a surprise that the guy that has racked up a ton of performance bonuses likes the current UFC pay system:
"We’re paid fighters, so getting in to the UFC doesn’t mean you’re gonna have this cushy job. You get paid based on how your performance goes. I’ve been very fortunate where I have had some great fights and I’ve been rewarded with some bonuses. I couldn’t be happier with the pay structure. It all comes down to people wanting to see you fight."
While Lauzon's reported pay is average for a lightweight (27k/27k), the performance bonuses have a made a major difference for him. It's true that exciting fighters like Lauzon, Stout, and Donald Cerrone has certainly padded their bank accounts due to their exciting style and because people want to see them on cards. So while his statements might go against the greater good in terms of fighters getting more rights and more money, it's hard to argue with his particular position on the issue. After all, he's doing just fine.
Lauzon returns to the octagon on August 17th when he faces off with Michael Johnson at UFC Fight Night: Shogun vs. Sonnen. If he can pick up another bonus, he'd move into first place all-time with 13. He's currently tied with Anderson Silva at 12.