Combat sports figures raise concerns over promotional practices

In the boxing world, Matchroom promoter Eddie Hearn has criticized fighters Devin Haney and Teofimo Lopez regarding their promotional arrangements. Hearn questioned the legitimacy of fighters acting as promoters when they do not provide financial backing for events. He noted that while such arrangements allow fighters to gain brand recognition and influence, they often rely on other organizations to fund purses, sell tickets, and absorb financial losses.

In mixed martial arts, former UFC fighter Muhammad Mokaev has alleged that the promotion pressures athletes to alter their fighting styles. Mokaev claimed that some fighters have received warnings from UFC management that they could be released if they rely too heavily on wrestling. He argued that such directives constitute an attempt to influence the nature of the competition.

Additionally, manager Ali Abdelaziz has defended undefeated fighter Farid Basharat following comments from UFC leadership. While Dana White suggested that some fighters fail to secure new contracts due to being difficult to work with or declining matchups, Abdelaziz insisted that Basharat accepted every opponent offered during his tenure.