Mike Schultz
November 30, 2016

Georges St-Pierre Joins First MMA Athletes Association

This afternoon, on a 4PMET conference call with over 100 journalists, Sports Interaction Brand Ambassador Georges St-Pierre, along with Donald Cerrone, Tim Kennedy, former Bellator MMA promoter Bjorn Rebney, former UFC heavyweight champion Cain Velasquez, and former UFC bantamweight champion T.J. Dillashaw announced their intention to form the Mixed Martial Arts Athlete Association.

Tim Kennedy had the first statement, saying that he had hoped that the success of the sport would have translated to more money for fighters, and that there was no safety net for fighters. “We’re here to never leave someone behind. The one sided system that the UFC has in place will be changed immediately.” He continued, saying that “the only thing most fighters can be sure of is a lifetime of having to deal with injuries from fighting in the Octagon.”

Kennedy then announced the official launch of the Mixed Martial Arts Athlete Association. Georges St-Pierre was next to make a statement, saying that he was going to be “viewed as a villain for bringing these issues up, but he wants change.” He continued, saying that “in most sports the money is 50/50 for athletes. In MMA it’s 8%. Even McGregor isn’t getting his fair share.”

Cain Velasquez took to the mic and detailed the multiple surgeries he’s needed since he started fighting, and expressed the need for a health care plan to be put in place for fighters while they are fighting and once they retire.

Bjorn Rebney made the last statement of the official announcement, saying “When the group that makes money hand over fist and the athletes responsible are asked to put their lives on the line and they get paid pennies. The UFC’s business plan is outrageous.”

According to Tim Kennedy, the MMAAA board is made up of Georges St-Pierre, Cerrone, Cain, Dillashaw and himself, with Bjorn Rebney acting only as an adviser.

All the fighters aside from Cerrone, who is represented by KHI Management, are represented by Creative Artists Agency (CAA), the chief rival of WME-IMG. During the question period after the announcement, Rebney made it clear that the CAA is not backing this venture, but that they are supportive. This summer, WME-IMG bought the UFC for $4 billion. For it’s next broadcast rights contract, the UFC is reportedly seeking an annual $450 million paycheck.