This Is The Ridiculous Amount UFC 196 Fighters Were Paid

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It’s fair to say that since he took over, Dana White has turned the UFC into a ridiculously profitable business.

With the income that UFC now brings in, it can pay out some pretty hefty sums to its fighters.

Those who took part in UFC 196 seem to have done okay after Sherdog revealed what each of them earned for their efforts.

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Lower down the card, Julian Erosa earned $12,000 (£8,400) while his opponent, Teruto Ishihara made $34,000 (£24,000) – including a $17,000 (£12,000) win bonus.

Justin Salas was paid $16,000 (£11,250) for his losing efforts against Jason Saggo, who bagged $10,000 (£7,030) with an added $10,000 (£7,030) win bonus, giving him $20,000 (£14,060) overall.

Diego Sanchez pocketed $150,000 (£105,000) including a $75,000 (£52,000) win bonus, whereas his opposite number, Jim Miller, walked away $59,000 (£41,500) richer.

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From the Darren Elkins and Chas Skelly bout Elkins as the victor took home $74,000 (£52,000) and Skelly was paid $21,000 (£14,760).

Marcelo Guimaraes made $13,000 (£9,140) whereas Vitor Miranda, Erick Silva, Nordine Taleb, Brandon Thatch and Siyar Bahadurzada each won $32,000 (£22,500), $34,000 (£24,000), $30,000 (£21,000), $22,000 (£15,500) and $38,000 (£26,000) respectively.

Valentina Shevchenko lost to Amada Nunes, but left the octagon with $14,000 (£9,800) whilst Nunes was undoubtedly happier with her win and $56,000 (£39,000) earnings.

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Corey Anderson was paid $40,000 for his win over Tom Lawlor, who still took home $28,000 (£19,600).

Illir Latifi and Gian Villante walked away with $50,000 (£35,000) and $36,000 (£25,000) respectively.

It’s when you get to the top of the bill that the numbers begin to get astronomical.

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Even though she dethroned Holly Holm, Miesha Tate made $92,000 (£65,000) compared to the former champ’s $500,000 (£350,000) payout.

The real eye-waterer was the main event – which cost the company a total of $1.5 million (£1 million) in payouts.

The winner of the much awaited bout, Nate Diaz took home $500,000 whereas Conor McGregor – Dana White’s most valuable asset – still pocketed $1,000,000 just for showing up.

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It’s worth pointing out that fighters further down the pecking order don’t actually get paid too well – especially compared to sports like boxing – and sponsorship deals such as the recent Reebok one effectively take money out of their pockets.

Still, not a bad night’s work for most of the guys and girls on this particular card.

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