How Fairly Do UFC Fighters Get Paid?
The punches weren’t the only thing hitting hard in UFC 314—the pay gaps did, too. Every fighter showed up to battle under the same roof, but the payouts were anything but equal. This list breaks down who cashed in big and who’s still fighting for financial footing.
Alexander Volkanovski – $1,482,000
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The Aussie featherweight legend pulled in nearly $1.5 million at UFC 314 and proved once again that championship pedigree pays. His gritty win against Diego Lopes earned Fight of the Night honors and reminded fans why his name still draws big numbers. Volkanovski walked away as the night’s biggest earner.
Diego Lopes – $682,000
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Diego Lopes might not have walked out with the belt, but he certainly didn’t leave empty-handed. His $682,000 payout was the second-highest of the night, and it says a lot about his rising stock in the featherweight division. Facing Volkanovski is no small task, and Lopes gives a real fight.
Paddy Pimblett – $556,000
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If charisma could be cashed, Paddy Pimblett would be a billionaire. The Liverpool star earned $556,000 after flattening Michael Chandler at UFC 314 and grabbing a Performance of the Night bonus along the way. His paycheck reflected the hype, buzz, and a loyal fan base.
Michael Chandler – $506,000
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Even after getting stopped by Pimblett, Michael Chandler pulled half a million in earnings. That kind of number speaks volumes about his standing in the UFC. He’s among the few guys who always deliver a war, win or lose.
Yair Rodríguez – $316,000
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Yair Rodríguez is always a highlight reel waiting to happen. UFC 314 saw him take home $316,000, in part due to his consistent fight quality and his standing as a former interim champ. His unpredictable striking and all-action style keep him high on cards and well-compensated for it.
Jean Silva – $206,000
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Jean Silva earned his paycheck the hard way—by putting Bryce Mitchell to sleep. His $206,000 payout included a $50,000 Performance of the Night bonus. Silva’s base salary wasn’t massive, but that bonus bumped him into six-figure territory.
Patrício Pitbull – $204,000
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Patrício Pitbull’s move into the UFC spotlight came with a respectable $204,000 payday. As a longtime force in Bellator, he brought name value and experience into the Octagon. This paycheck reflected his reputation and negotiating power. UFC newcomers don’t often start above $200K, so this was no entry-level gig.
Dominick Reyes – $161,000
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Once seen as a title contender, Reyes has had a rough patch in the cage. Still, his earnings show the UFC isn’t quick to slash pay for fighters with proven value. His main-event cards fought Jon Jones to a razor-thin decision and helped anchor light heavyweight matchups.
Darren Elkins – $141,000
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Darren Elkins’ $141,000 salary at UFC 314 was earned by mileage alone. The longtime featherweight grinder isn’t chasing titles anymore, but he’s dependable, durable, and usually delivers gritty fights. The consistency has real value at this point in his career.
Yan Xiaonan – $111,000
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Yan Xiaonan landed squarely in the middle tier of the card’s payouts. As a former strawweight title challenger, her salary demonstrated her solid standing in the division. Her fights rarely turn into snoozefests, and that helps her keep a decent paycheck even when she doesn’t headline.
Michal Oleksiejczuk – $88,000
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Michal Oleksiejczuk walked away with $88,000—not eye-popping, but right on par for a mid-tier veteran. His take-home was pretty decent for a fighter outside the rankings. Oleksiejczuk has carved out a place in the UFC thanks to his willingness to throw hands and stay active.
Sean Woodson – $78,000
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Sean Woodson earned decent money for a fighter who was still building his name. He’s got a unique frame for the division, a smooth, striking style, and a growing fanbase. Woodson hasn’t cracked into the top tier yet, but he’s been quietly stacking wins and putting together solid performances.
Virna Jandiroba – $71,000
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Virna Jandiroba proved that even experienced strawweights can find themselves in that pay gap between contender and breakout star. Her grappling is no joke—she’s handled herself well against top-tier competition. But with limited visibility and fewer finishes, she hasn’t captured the buzz that bumps a fighter’s pay.
Su Mudaerji – $56,000
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Su Mudaerji’s explosive striking has turned heads in the past, but inconsistent performances have kept him in the lower-middle tier. Su has that potential, but without a win or a bonus, his paycheck stayed modest. He could bump that number up fast with a few more consistent showings.
Marco Tulio – $24,500
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Marco Tulio stood at the bottom of the UFC 314 payroll with $24,500. This is standard for fighters new to the roster or called in as short-notice replacements. It’s a harsh reality—eight weeks of camp, medicals, and media for a paycheck barely covering costs.