LAS VEGAS – UFC president Dana White says Stephen Thompson will receive some compensation for his UFC 291 weigh-in, though it may not be his show money.
Thompson made weight in Salt Lake City ahead of his scheduled July 29 bout, but opponent Michel Pereira missed the contracted weight limit by three pounds. Rather than accept a percentage of Pereira’s purse in lieu of the weight discrepancy, Thompson elected not to compete. Thompson later explained the decision was made after considering the health and competitive risks.
“How that works is that guys don’t just get paid to not fight,” White told MMA Junkie and other reporters Tuesday following DWCS 57 at the UFC Apex. “That’s not how that works. Guys have been paid. We’ve taken care of guys. Listen, if you come in, and you’re making short money, we take care of you. If you come in and you don’t fight – first of all, you decided not to fight.
