UFC 65 Salaries & Thoughts

Keep in mind that bonuses are given out to these fighters, and the pay announced is not an entire picture of events. Total Announced Fight Purse is $457,000.

UFC HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP

• Tim Sylvia: $120,000 - Overall, he is paid correctly. He is underpaid based on his record and credentials. He is overpaid based on his PPV drawing power.
  
• Jeff Monson: $13,000 - Monson has made a total of $49,000 over 4 fights in 2006. At first this sounds like a fighter being underpaid. Heck, he had 16 wins in a row. Then you consider that the biggest win of his career is against Branden Lee Hinkle, and his pay seems reasonable.
  

UFC WELTERWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP

• Georges St. Pierre: $58,000 - It has been reported that GSP has earned between $300,000 and $500,000 through additional pay and sponsors. He has been well taken care of.
  
• Matt Hughes: $75,000 - Like most Monte Cox fighters, he is underpaid for his PPV selling power. With a XYIENCE contract and other incomes probably being given, his overall payday was probably easily over the 6-figure mark.

REGULAR FIGHTS

• Brandon Vera: $40,000 - Correct Pay
• Frank Mir: $36,000 - Greatly overpaid based on his current talents. Could make a case for him making $2k/$2k.
• Joe Stevenson: $24,000 - Typical "Ultimate Fighter" level pay. Made $60,000 over 3 fights this year. That's a good pay day for a Non-Main Eventer going 2-1.
  
• Alessio Sakara: $10,000 - Should give every penny back for falling down like he did.
• Drew McFedries: $8,000 - A solid payday for a last minute replacement.
• Dokonjonosuke Mishima: $8,000 - In his prime, he would be worth at least $25,000 a fight. With his diminishing skills, this is the right pay level.
• Nick Diaz: $24,000 - Not a fan of Diaz, but I can't complain about this payday. He has had multiple UFC fights and should be compensated accordingly.
• Jake O'Brien: $12,000 - Good paycheck consider his
  
• James Irvin: $10,000 - I wouldn't be suprised if he got a bonus for the good show he put on. Technically an ugly fight that at least pleased the crowd.
  
• Antoni Hardonk: $6,000
  
• Sherman Pendergarst: $4,000 - All UFC fighters should be getting $5k minimum.
  
• Josh Shockman: $3,000 - Same as above.
  
• Hector Ramirez: $3,000 - Same as above.
• Gleison Tibau: $3,000 - Same as above.