Tim Kennedy refuses to be silenced on issue of fighter pay

While many UFC fighters are opposed to the UFC’s uniform deal with Reebok, none have been more outspoken than top middleweight Tim Kennedy.

Kennedy hasn’t fought in the UFC in nearly two years following his controversial TKO loss to Yoel Romero at UFC 178, however he has been looking to return to the Octagon sooner rather than later against fighters who have tested positive for PEDs.

Kennedy spoke to Fox Sports to discuss why he refuses to be silenced on the issue of fighter pay, and his disapproval of the UFC’s deal with Reebok.

“No. I like fighting. I love fighting. I make, like, three or four-times more when I don’t fight than when I do fight. And, I’m one of the higher-paid guys in the UFC, which is remarkably tragic and pathetic. So, the work that I do on a normal, day-to-day basis is way more exciting than stepping into the Octagon,”

“I got my hand slapped for talking about fighter pay. That was a big one. I had Dana White yell at me in front of, like, 20 other fighters. And, I’m sure you see how quiet I got about fighter pay,” he said sarcastically. “No. Still the same. Same thing about Reebok. Then, they ultimately tried to affect me in different ways – maybe not letting me fight. While they may not be able to shut me up, and maybe I’m not smart enough to shut up, myself, I’m still going to say what I’m going to say, and maybe that’s why I’m still on the shelf.”