Fighter pay remains one of the most debated topics in the UFC. This has sparked endless arguments online. The UFC keeps most contract details confidential, leaving fans to speculate based on commission reports and estimates. Champions typically earn the biggest purses, especially when PPV points get factored into total compensation. But figuring out exact numbers requires piecing together incomplete information from multiple sources.<\/p>
UFC 323 marked the final PPV event under the ESPN era before the Paramount partnership begins. The card featured two title fights at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, with championship belts and significant financial stakes on the line. So what did these UFC 323 make for their bouts? <\/p>
Merab Dvalishvili entered UFC 323 as the bantamweight champion defending his title against former champion Petr Yan. Based on previous estimates and commission data, Dvalishvili earned approximately $1.8 million in his last outing at UFC 311 against Umar Nurmagomedov. For UFC 323, his estimated total payout maybe lower as he lost the fight. <\/p>
Petr Yan came in as the challenger attempting to reclaim the title he previously held. Former champions still command significant purses even when not wearing gold. Yan’s base compensation reportedly ranges from $250,000 to $300,000, with a matching win bonus if he pulled off the upset, which he did. Overall, Yan’s UFC 323 pay likely ranged close to $1.5 million.<\/p>
Alexandre Pantoja entered the co-main event as flyweight champion riding an eight-fight winning streak. His estimated payout sat between $700,000 and $1 million, Unfortunately, Pantoja suffered a devastating shoulder injury<\/a> just 26 seconds into the fight, losing his title to Joshua Van in the worst possible circumstances. Despite the freak accident ending his night almost immediately, Pantoja still receives his contracted base pay and whatever backend points his contract includes. The win bonus obviously doesn’t apply given the loss, significantly reducing his total take-home amount.<\/p> Joshua Van became the new flyweight champion through Pantoja’s injury, earning his first title and a massive payday increase. Van earned $145,000 in his previous outing, but championship fights bump compensation dramatically. His estimated UFC<\/a> 323 payout sits in a similar range to Pantoja’s, potentially reaching seven figures with his win bonus and new champion status factored in.<\/p> At UFC 323, the title fight between Merab Dvalishvili and Petr Yan was awarded the “Fight of the Night.” It delivered high-level action and drama, earning both fighters a $50,000 bonus. <\/p>UFC 323 Bonuses<\/h2>