UFC 302 is locked and loaded to deliver some top-notch action this weekend. With all the pre-fight formalities now checked and completed, the fighters and fans will be getting in one last kip before taking to the Octagon. As such, let’s also find out how much they are being paid to put on a show for the fans.
For those unaware, UFC 302 will be live out of the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey on June 1, 2024. Marking the first out of what promises to be a blockbuster summer, the event will be headlined by lightweight champ Islam Makhachev and lightweight mainstay and former interim champ, Dustin Poirier. A massive occasion for both fighters and the outcome will certainly be a legacy-defining fight for both.
IT’S ALL GOING DOWN TOMORROW 🏆
🐺 @MAKHACHEVMMA vs @DustinPoirier 💎
[ @ESPNPlus PPV | 10pmET/7pmPT | #UFC302 ] pic.twitter.com/NwL7ho487i
— UFC (@ufc) May 31, 2024
At the same time, the main card also features former middleweight champ Sean Strickland taking on Paulo Costa in what will be yet another big fight. Owing to the stakes, one could suggest that it is a potential #1 contender fight as well. Also on the main card is Kevin Holland who takes on Michal Oleksiejczuk in what will effectively be his return to the middleweight division.
How much money will Islam Makhachev and Dustin Poirier make at UFC 302?
For the most part, Islam Makhachev has been raking in some big paydays all thanks to his added bonuses and fight purse as the lightweight champion. Reportedly, Makhachev secured $1 million for his first fight against Alexander Volkanovski at UFC 284 last year and $1.6 million for the rematch at UFC 294. Not only that, but further bonuses and PPV points suggest that his final earnings were close to $4 million.
As for UFC 302, Khabib Nurmagomedov’s protege and successor is expected to once again bank around the $1.5 million mark, which will be quite a sizeable payday in itself. However, adding in all the bonuses and his earnings from PPV points and sponsorships, the final payout could claim up to $2-2.5 million as well. On the other hand, Dustin Poirier will be no slouch either seeing that he has earned handsomely over the years.
These two have quite the resumes 😮💨#UFC302 | B2YB @JoseCuervo pic.twitter.com/YQqFrtror0
— UFC (@ufc) May 30, 2024
In his three fights against Conor McGregor, Poirier reportedly banked $2,125,000 ($2.1m). As such, he is said to be earning a guaranteed $800,000 for the fight, which will him earn even more through bonuses, PPV points, and sponsorships as well. If all goes well, Poirier will likely be walking away with a total payout close to $1.25-1.5 million at UFC 302.
Reported payouts for all UFC 302 main card fighters
On the other hand, we have former champion Sean Strickland who definitely made some good money in his title win against Israel Adesanya at UFC 293 and a closely contested affair against Dricus du Plessis at UFC 297 earlier this year. Thus, he will reportedly pocket a guaranteed $500,000 which will see additional bonuses and incentive pay added on for UFC 302.
As for his opponent, Paulo Costa is said to be earning a base pay of $350,000 which will see bonuses added on to it for winning, sponsorships, and more. Between Costa and Strickland, the winner will likely pocket $100,000 as a win bonus. The same can be said for Kevin Holland, which will add on to his base pay of $350,000. On the other hand, his opponent, Michał Oleksiejczuk stands to make $150,000 as his base pay along with an added $100,000 if he wins. Naturally, like all fighters, these payouts are liable for further bonuses and sponsorship incentives as well.
As for the remaining fighters on the main card of UFC 302, Niko Price will also earn $150,000 in base pay as opposed to Alex Morono’s $110,000. Lastly, Randy Brown is set to earn $110,000 as his base pay while his opponent Elizeu Zaleski dos Santos will make a guaranteed $85,000 as his base pay for the fight. According to NY Fights, the total payout for all the fighters on the card could cross over $10 million.
