
(There’s gotta be an easier way to earn five grand. Photo courtesy of UFC.com.)
$424,000 in official salaries and bonuses were paid out to the fighters who competed at Saturday night’s UFC Fight Night event in Tampa, Florida — a pittance compared to what the guys on pay-per-view cards tend to get, but when you consider that the live gate was only $428,000 it seems downright charitable. The numbers are below. Keep in mind that these figures don’t include income from sponsorships or undisclosed "locker room bonuses."
Cain Velasquez: $60,000 (includes $15,000 win bonus and $30,000 “Knockout of the Night” bonus)
Joe Lauzon: $50,000 (includes $10,000 win bonus and $30,000 “Submission of the Night” bonus)
Josh Neer: $48,000 (includes $9,000 win bonus and $30,000 “Fight of the Night” bonus)
Mac Danzig: $45,000 (includes $30,000 “Fight of the Night” bonus)
Kurt Pellegrino: $32,000 (includes $16,000 win bonus)
Anthony Johnson: $26,000 (includes $13,000 win bonus)
Gleison Tibau: $26,000 (includes $13,000 win bonus)
Rich Clementi: $23,000
Dan Miller: $18,000 (includes $9,000 win bonus)
Matthew Riddle: $16,000 (includes $8,000 win bonus)
Luigi Fioravanti: $13,000
Jake Rosholt: $13,000
Rob Emerson: $10,000
Jeremy Stephens: $10,000
Steve Bruno: $7,000
Matt Grice: $7,000
Nick Catone: $6,000 (includes $3,000 win bonus)
Matt Veach: $6,000 (includes $3,000 win bonus)
Denis Stojnic: $5,000
Derek Downey: $3,000
Underpaid: Joe Lauzon. Even though he made up for it in bonuses, it’s surprising to hear that one of the UFC’s more popular lightweights — who holds a 5-1 Octagon record, no less — is still getting only $10,000 to show; we’re guessing that he hasn’t been able to re-negotiate his post-TUF contract yet, which is unfortunate. Also, Josh Neer‘s not even getting five figures, despite completing his eighth fight in the UFC.
Even more underpaid: Nick Catone. $3k to show, and $3k to win. And thanks to Amir Sadollah, this has been the first time he’s been able to fight since last June. I tell ya, it’s a rough business…


So that’s why Rich Clementi got cut. He was the highest base-paid fighter on the card. The UFC is no nonsense. Apparently they will give you change if you produce, yet the moment you stop you better be willing to take a pay cut or pack your shit. I promise if Chuck doesn’t win this next fight you will see him get cut. He’s one of those fighters who gets paid $50k+ to show, a legend who still feel he has drawing power and will not be thrilled about working for peanuts.