UFC 286 was one of the most memorable UFC events, just like the ones before it. With the crowd showing up and the fighters delivering their best, it was all in all a great watch. However, one of the key talking points, just like every UFC event, was the payouts for fighters like Leon Edwards, Kamaru Usman, and more.
Whilst the UFC and the respective sports commissions refrain from releasing fighter pay and salaries, fans and media outlets are often able to come up with an estimate. Be it via undisclosed sources or previously released salaries, a near-approximate figure is achievable in most cases.
As such, for UFC 286, The Sports Grail revealed some potential fighter salaries and payouts. According to the source, UFC welterweight champ, Leon Edwards took home $1.3 million for his first title defense. However, many were shocked to see his numbers followed closely by #3 ranked lightweight Justin Gaethje. Notably, Gaethje took home $1.2 million, which included a $50k bonus for winning Fight of the Night.
Additionally, the report also suggests that Edwards received a $650,000 PPV bonus whilst Justin Gaethje received a $600,000 PPV bonus. Although shocked and amazed by the numbers, fans believe that since Gaethje is arguably a bigger name, the disparity in pay between him and Edwards is justified. Moreover, it is expected that Edwards will continue to earn more from his PPV bonus, and his numbers are not final.
Leon Edwards UFC 286 purse compared to other UFC champions
Whilst Leon’s pay at UFC 286 was by no means low, it did surprise many to see a non-champion from another division earn only $100,000 less than him. Previously, we have seen numerous champions become a victim of low pay. Most notably, Demetrious Johnson received some of the lowest payouts ever for a UFC champion.
Similarly, flyweight champion Deiveson Figueiredo also made only $295,000, and $252,000 against Brandon Moreno at UFC 256, and UFC 263 respectively. Most recently, Figueiredo only pocketed a shocking $150,000 for his win against Moreno at UFC 270. As such, Figgy chose to hire UFC Hall of Famer Urijah Faber ahead of his fourth fight against Moreno, in hopes of better pay.
The King of the O2 arena tonight!!!! đź‘‘@Leon_EdwardsMMA | #UFC286 pic.twitter.com/54iBmjEATe
— UFC (@ufc) March 19, 2023
Another example of an underpaid UFC champion would be Francis Ngannou, who eventually had to part ways with the UFC, due to failed contract negotiations. Thus, in comparison to Figgy and Ngannou, who got $600,000 in his last UFC fight, Edwards is much better off. Although he is not as big of a name as The Highlight, he is well and truly on his way.
Renowned for his striking and his unbeaten streak, Leon put the world on notice when he delivered his thundering head kick KO of Kamaru Usman at UFC 278. Thus, by becoming a champion and retaining his belt, Leon’s stock will go up very quickly. Should Leon make quick work of Colby Covington as well in the future, his pay will likely skyrocket to an even higher figure.
