Zuffa Boxing's Lucrative Shakur Stevenson Deal Boosts Devin Haney's Negotiating Power

UFC parent company Zuffa Boxing has signed lightweight champion Shakur Stevenson to a multi‑fight contract reported to be worth eight figures, with estimates of about $20 million per fight. Promoter Eddie Hearn said the large outlay gives Devin Haney significant leverage, as Zuffa needs a marquee opponent like Haney to justify Stevenson’s salary. Hearn also criticised Zuffa’s pay model, calling it "suicide" to overpay legacy fighters and risk their legacy for money.

In response, Haney posted on social media that Stevenson’s payday supports his father Bill Haney’s earlier claim that Devin could earn around $100 million before age 30, arguing that critics were wrong. The conversation highlights Zuffa’s aggressive expansion into boxing, having also added fighters such as Johnny Fisher, Edgar Berlanga and Richardson Hitchins to its roster.

The discussion centers on how Zuffa’s financial strategy may reshape top‑tier boxing negotiations and the balance of power between promoters and elite fighters.