WATCH: UFC announcer Bruce Buffer warns fighter not to talk about fighter pay during octagon interview

UFC fighter pay has been a controversial topic for many years, and an increasing number of fighters have begun speaking out against the promotion's negotiating tactics.

An exchange between UFC lightweight Damir Hadzovic and longtime announcer Bruce Buffer has recently surfaced. The lightweight can be heard telling Buffer that fighters do not get paid enough by the promotion, which the announcer appears to agree with.

However, Buffer then advises Hadzovic not to mention that during his octagon interview.

Hadzovic said:

"They don't pay us enough"

Bruce Buffer responded:

"I know I know, but if you keep fighting like this you will [get paid enough]. Just don't say that in your interview, okay?"

Watch the exchange below:

Former UFC champion Luke Rockhold, middleweight contender Paulo Costa and former champion Francis Ngannou have all spoken out in protest of the promotion's treatment of its fighters.

Costa was scheduled to fight Robert Whittaker earlier this year, but withdrew from the contest due to contract issues. 'Borrachinha' claimed that he was offered the same amount of money to fight Whittaker as he was offered in his promotional debut.

Fighters have also started requesting $50,000 performance bonuses more and more during their post-fight interviews.

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Dana White states that Francis Ngannou will never be in the UFC again

UFC president Dana White has stated former heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou will never return to the promotion following his departure earlier this year.

'The Predator' and his management team were involved in contract negotiations for several years prior to Ngannou's exit. According to Ngannou, he had requested several clauses in his new contract, which were all denied.

'The Predator' shared that he wanted a three-fight deal that could be completed within a year, the opportunity to compete in professional boxing once his three fights had been completed, and fighter health care.

Dana White recently appeared in front of the media and said this:

"No. We negotiated [with Ngannou and his team] for years. It's over, that's over year. No, he'll never be in the UFC again."

Watch the video below:

Francis Ngannou is now a free agent, and the former champion is yet to disclose his next move. 'The Predator' has been linked with a possible move to the Professional Fighters League (PFL), but Ngannou's eagerness to box competitively could see him face Deontay Wilder or Tyson Fury next.