REVEALED: Weili Zhang was highest paid fighter at UFC 292
REVEALED: Weili Zhang is highest paid fighter from UFC 292 as Chinese star banks £411k, while Chris Weidman takes home £336k despite defeat and Sean O’Malley earns £395k
- Sean O’Malley won title against Aljamain Sterling in the main event of UFC 292
- Weili Zhang defended her crown in women’s strawweight clash in co-main
- Chinese fighter ended up being the highest paid fighter on the whole card
Chinese star Weili Zhang banked the most of any fighter at UFC 292 after defending her strawweight title.
The fighter pay has been revealed for the event, not taking into consideration additional fees such as sponsorship or other discretionary bonuses.
MMA Junkie revealed the full list of base pay amounts, as disclosed by The Massachusetts Division of Occupational Licensure.
It may come as a surprise to some that the main event victor Sean O’Malley was out-stripped by Zhang, who took home a cool £411,000.
‘Suga Sean’ made £395,000, which was exactly the same flat amount on the night as the champion he dethroned, Aljamain Sterling.
Weili Zhang took home the highest base pay from UFC 292 after defending her title
Despite his defeat by Brad Tavares, Chris Weidman (right) earned £336,000
No doubt higher paydays are still to come for the flashy striker, who won after a brilliant knockdown of his bantamweight rival which was followed up by ground and pound.
Former middleweight champion Chris Weidman was the fourth best paid fighter on the card despite losing a three-round decision against Brad Tavares.
Weidman earned £336,000 and Tavares £158,000 – reflective of their differing contracts and the length of time the American has been fighting in the organisation.
Amanda Lemos fell short in her shot at Zhang and earned almost £200,000 for her efforts, while there was also a significant payday for Marlon Vera.
Vera took home £244,000 for beating Pedro Munhoz over a three round decision and Munhoz earned £118,000 for his efforts.
Ireland’s Ian Garry delivered the most impressive win of his burgeoning career so far, taking out veteran Neil Magny to set himself up for a shot at the top 10 at welterweight.
He earned £79,000 and Magny slightly more at £104,000. On current form, it won’t be long before Garry signs an improved deal with the UFC as he is clearly one of the most exciting emerging talents.
Sean O’Malley claimed an emphatic victory over Aljamain Sterling in the main event
Source: Read Full Article
