Ramsey Nijem recently spoke about his cut from the UFC and cites the refusal to sign new deal as well as the new drug policy as reasons he was let go from the UFC.
Nijem spoke with MMA Junkie Radio regarding his departure. The former TUF contestant lost his last two fights in the UFC and was one of the many fighters that were recently let go by the company.
Nijem talked about the negotiations with the UFC on a new contract as he described what was basically a one-sided process in which he was told how much he would make. According to Nijem, the UFC told him it would be “harder should he continue to refuse.” He also stated that he had issues with the new UFC drug policy in which he would have to provide whereabouts for drug testing reasons and the IV ban for rehydrating after weigh-ins.
Nijem had 10 fights in the UFC going 5-5 with his last lost being a split decision this past July to Andrew Holbrook. His last reported purse for his fight with Holbrook was $18,000 for his loss. He made an additional $5,000 under the new Reebok sponsor payouts.
Payout Perspective:
Nijem’s story reflects the unfortunate leverage of low to mid-tier fighters in the UFC. Essentially fighters have no room for negotiations with the UFC lest they are either blackballed or cut. In addition, the refusal to sign the UFC drug policy agreement probably was the last straw. With the UFC attempting to enforce new drug testing protocol, his refusal, no matter how legitimate the reasons may have been trumped by the UFC’s need to show that all of its fighters will conceded to testing. Still, the problem is that fighters are finding out that they have no bargaining power with the company.
Would not class Nijem as a mid tier fighter.. equal wins and losses, last two bouts being losses plus a history of injuries. Let’s face it he has gone 2-4 in his last six bouts. No matter what organization he would be signed with it really doesn’t give him much room at the bargaining table. Personally I think he was lucky to even have a contract offered to him when the UFC is making such deep cuts right now. The fact he’s complaining about the drug testing rules just doesn’t sit right, if you are clean what the big deal of letting the company know your whereabouts? People complain about not enough drug testing in the UFC and MMA then complain when testing is brought in.
“lost his last two fights in the UFC” and he is wondering why he has no negotiating room?