UFC 323 is shaping up to be one of the biggest events of the year, not only because of its stacked fight card but also because of the massive money on the table for the featured athletes.
With title fights at bantamweight and flyweight, the payout discussion is almost as heated as the matchups themselves.
Fighter salaries are always one of the most talked-about topics before every major UFC event, especially when champions defend their belts or when big-name contenders return.
UFC 323 is no different. Several high-ranking fighters are expected to take home huge paychecks that include base salary, performance bonuses, and potential pay-per-view upside.
This article breaks down the projected payouts for the main card and undercard fighters, explains why UFC pay varies so widely, and looks at how the organization’s structure impacts fighter earnings.
Everything is rewritten in a fresh, structured format so it ranks quickly in Google search for UFC fans looking for updated salary information.
Main-Event Payout: Merab Dvalishvili Leads the Card
The biggest earner of UFC 323 is expected to be Merab Dvalishvili, who enters the octagon as the reigning bantamweight champion.
His performances over the past year have dramatically increased his value, and that has been reflected strongly in his projected payout for UFC 323.
Merab Dvalishvili Expected Earnings
- Guaranteed base purse: Estimated between $500,000 and $800,000
- Total potential payout: Approximately $1.7 million to $3 million+
- Bonus potential: An Additional $50,000 if he earns a “Performance of the Night” or “Fight of the Night” bonus
With his fan following growing and as a proven main-event attraction, Dvalishvili’s PPV share and other undisclosed bonuses could push his earnings even higher.
Petr Yan: Large Payout Even as a Challenger
Former champion Petr Yan enters UFC 323 as one of the promotion’s biggest names, and his pay reflects both his experience and his ability to draw an audience.
Petr Yan Expected Earnings
- Base purse: Estimated $200,000 to $300,000
- Potential total payout: $850,000 to $1.45 million+, depending on win bonuses, performance bonuses, and other incentives
Yan may not be the champion, but his name value ensures he is among the highest earners on the card.
Co-Main Event: Alexandre Pantoja Also Secures a Big Purse
The co-main event features flyweight champion Alexandre Pantoja, who is expected to earn one of the top three highest payouts of the night.
Alexandre Pantoja Expected Earnings
- Base purse: Estimated $350,000 to $500,000
- Potential total: $700,000 to over $1 million, with win bonuses and PPV upside included
As a defending champion, Pantoja benefits from higher guaranteed pay and additional incentives tied to PPV performance.
Joshua Van and Other High-Profile Fighters
Several other fighters on the UFC 323 card are expected to earn significantly larger purses than usual due to increased attention and placement on the card.
Reported Estimated Earnings for Elite Non-Championship Fighters
- Base pay: $300,000 to $550,000
- Total potential: $450,000 to $1.2 million+ if they secure bonuses and win their fights
These figures represent the rising financial rewards for fighters who are consistently appearing on main cards and building strong followings.
Undercard Fighters: A Large Pay Gap
While champions and main-event fighters make millions, the story is very different for the undercard fighters.
Preliminary Card Expected Earnings
- Base salary: Estimated $20,000 to $80,000
- Win bonus: Often matches base pay
- Total potential: $40,000 to $150,000+ with bonuses included
For fighters still building their careers, the pay remains modest compared to the sport’s biggest stars. This pay gap is one of the most discussed issues in mixed martial arts.
Why UFC Fighter Pay Varies So Much
A big reason UFC earnings differ so widely is because of the organization’s pay structure.
Unlike other sports where athletes receive a guaranteed salary, MMA fighters are paid using a combination of multiple income sources.
Below is a clear breakdown of how UFC pay is structured.
Base Purse
Every fighter receives a guaranteed amount simply for showing up to fight. Champions, former champions, and popular contenders receive significantly higher base purses.
Win Bonus
Many fighters are paid under a “show money + win money” arrangement.
Example:
- Show money: $40,000
- Win money: $40,000
Win the fight and the purse doubles.
Champions and bigger names typically have flat contracts without win bonuses.
Performance Bonuses
The UFC usually awards:
- Performance of the Night
- Fight of the Night
Both bonuses pay $50,000 each, and sometimes even more at special events.
These bonuses can dramatically boost a fighter’s income.
PPV Points (Only for Top Stars)
Pay-per-view share is the biggest money maker for champions and top contenders.
PPV points can earn fighters hundreds of thousands — or even millions — depending on the success of the event.
Only fighters in championship fights or mega-star talent typically earn PPV shares.
Sponsorships and Undisclosed Bonuses
Fighters also earn from:
- Personal sponsors
- UFC discretionary bonuses (not publicly reported)
- Social media and promotional deals
This is why reported earnings may not reveal the full picture.
The Rise in Headliner Payouts Over Recent Events
Looking at the past year, one clear trend is emerging: top fighters are earning more than ever.
At previous major events:
- Merab Dvalishvili reportedly earned over $2 million for a recent title defense.
- Other headliners in similar events crossed the seven-figure mark due to PPV sales and bonuses.
UFC 323 continues this pattern, with projected earnings reaching record levels for multiple athletes.
Why UFC 323 Is a Turning Point
Several factors make UFC 323 stand out:
Two Title Fights on the Same Card
With both bantamweight and flyweight titles being defended, the event is expected to draw strong PPV numbers, directly boosting fighter pay.
Massive Star Power
The card includes champions, former champions, and high-ranking prospects. Star power directly impacts PPV sales and, therefore, fighter earnings.
Important Career Stakes
For fighters like Dvalishvili and Pantoja, successful title defenses can strengthen their pursuit of large future contracts.
The Harsh Reality for Lower-Tier Fighters
Although UFC 323 features massive payouts for headliners, the lower-level fighters face a different reality:
- Many still earn $12,000 show + $12,000 win, according to earlier structures.
- Training camps often cost thousands of dollars.
- Medical suspensions or injuries can delay their next opportunity to earn.
This financial gap remains a major point of debate within MMA regarding fighter compensation and long-term security.
What UFC’s Payout Structure Means for the Future
The UFC’s current payment system has several implications:
Increased Pressure on Fighters
Every fight can drastically alter a fighter’s financial situation, especially for those who rely on win bonuses to double their purse.
Popularity Is Becoming as Important as Skill
Fighters who draw more viewers are rewarded financially, meaning personality and fan engagement now play a major role in pay negotiations.
The Pay Gap Will Likely Grow
As top fighters earn millions, newer fighters may continue to struggle unless the pay structure is revised.
UFC Keeps Financial Control
By rewarding stars through bonuses and PPV shares rather than massive guaranteed salaries, the organization manages its risks while still rewarding its biggest attractions.
Final Thoughts: UFC 323 Shows How Big MMA Money Has Become
UFC 323 is more than just another major fight card it highlights the massive financial opportunities available at the top level of the sport.
Fighters like Merab Dvalishvili, Petr Yan, and Alexandre Pantoja stand to take home huge paychecks that could reach or exceed seven figures.
At the same time, the event reflects the ongoing challenges faced by lower-tier fighters who are still climbing the ranks and earning far less, despite risking the same physical consequences.
The payouts at UFC 323 show where MMA is heading:
- Bigger stars
- Bigger money
- Bigger gaps between champions and newcomers
As fans tune in for the fights, the financial stories behind the athletes continue to shape the sport’s future.
Ashish Lavania is a dedicated combat sports analyst and the mind behind some of the most detailed breakdowns in modern fight media. Specializing in UFC, MMA, and boxing analysis, Ashish combines deep technical knowledge with a fan-first approach, delivering insights that are easy to understand yet backed by real fighting IQ.