Shakur Stevenson explains Zuffa Boxing signing: 'The money is insane'

Shakur Stevenson says he signed with Zuffa Boxing for one simple reason: the paycheck.

The lightweight contender told ESPN on Thursday that he joined the upstart promotional outfit because "the money is insane," per Bad Left Hook. "I'm in the money-getting business," Stevenson said, declining to break down the financial terms of the deal but making clear the offer stood out from competing bids.

Stevenson insists Zuffa deal won't limit big-fight access

The signing has raised eyebrows among fans and observers who question whether Zuffa's lean roster will restrict Stevenson's ability to land marquee opponents. Stevenson pushed back on that concern, saying he never would have signed if the contract blocked him from targeting the names that matter. "I wouldn't have signed if I can't get the fights that I want," he told the outlet.

Stevenson added that he has no interest in chasing undisputed status or collecting belts for the sake of it. Instead, he wants the prizefights fans actually care about. Whether Zuffa can deliver on that front remains an open question — the company would need to negotiate cross-promotional deals with rival outfits that control most of the division's top talent. For now, landing a fighter of Stevenson's caliber gives the promotional newcomer a credibility boost as it builds out its stable.

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• Bad Left Hook — ‘I’m in the money-getting business’: Shakur Stevenson explains Zuffa signing