Mixed martial arts (MMA) offers the most extreme example of endorsement economics, according to R.M. Schneiderman, writing for The New York Times'Economix section.
The purpose of Economic section is to explain the science of everyday life presumably in economic terms. This article is a great primer on how and why ultimate fighters fight for so little pay.
Unless you're at the contender level in the Ultimate Fighting Championship, expect to make far less than the millions a Chuck Liddell earns. Even Karo Parisyan makes roughly $175,000, which includes endorsement dollars.
Despite MMA becoming increasingly popular and mainstream, the ultimate fighters rely almost exclusively on endorsement deals to keep going, which is why you'll see some fighters with sponsor logos on their backside.
