The world of Youtube boxing & mixed martial arts has once again been intertwined in the controversy that surrounds fighter pay
Just days ahead of a big clash with Youtube Megastar KSI, this time it was Faze Temperrr involved, criticising the UFC of robbing its fighters and suggesting that Jake Paul can help better the sport. Not everyone took so kindly to this, however, as Charles ‘Air’ Jourdain bluntly leapt to the defense of the organisation.
Charles Jourdain Goes After Faze Temperrr
Temperrr lit a fire under Jourdain, having stated in an interview with MMAFighting, “I hope the MMA world grows financially because these fighters, especially UFC fighters, they deserve more, brother. They’re getting robbed. What Jake Paul is doing right now, joining PFL and helping these fighters financially, I have huge respect for him because these fighters deserve more. I hope this world gets bigger and fighters start to get paid what they deserve.”
Those comments seemed to have irritated Charles Jourdain, who slammed the gaming YouTuber-turned-boxer. “Keep sitting behind a computer and talk, martial arts are a way of life that soy boy can’t understand. We don’t want you clowns to “help” us. You guys are fake and make money of being fake. Can’t fake being a real UFC fighter.”
Temperrr, whose real name is Thomas Oliveira, currently holds a 2-1 record within the ‘crossover boxing’ scene, coming off a first-round 30-second KO win on ‘Misfits 003’ in November. Despite Jourdain’s claims, the Brazilian-born American does actually have a martial arts background, having trained in Taekwondo, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu & Muay Thai in his childhood before more recently taking up boxing. A win this weekend against KSI would skyrocket him to a new level of stardom.
‘Air’ Jourdain (13-6-1) last competed in September in a loss to British MMA star Nathaniel Wood at UFC France. The Canadian continued his rant in response to those that tried to get him to see a different point of view.
“I make 150k for a win. If I win 3 fights of 15 minutes, that’s 450k for 45 minutes of performance. But please anonymous twitter expert do go on and tell me how much of a victime I am. #Soyboy.”
Fighter Pay Debates
Though Jourdain is certainly not alone in how he feels about fighter pay or influencer boxing, not everyone shares that same viewpoint. While Dana White has tried to shut down questions regarding the UFC fighter pay structure, the debate has raged on in recent years. One man he has to thank, among others for that, is none other than Jake Paul. Jake indeed continues to spark debates across the sport, bringing it up on a consistent basis. He won’t let the issue go. It’s refreshing to see those in mainstream positions outside of the sports circle highlight fighter pay as Faze Temperrr did. If Jake has anything to do with it, Temperrr will be one of many to continue to do so going forward. With this in mind & the UFC’s unwillingness to budge, it’s difficult to see these questions going away anytime soon.
Charles Jourdain is yet to book his return to the octagon whilst Faze Temperrr is slated to take on KSI on DAZN pay-per-view this Saturday night.
Do you agree with Faze Temperrr or Charles Jourdain? Do you feel the same way about ‘crossover boxing’? Let us know in the comments below!
Featured image credits to Getty Images
