Jose Aldo Takes Home $21k in Potential Farewell Bout: UFC 301 Promotional Payouts Unveiled

In the aftermath of UFC 301, the talk wasn't just about the thrilling fights but also about the substantial sums the fighters pocketed in UFC Promotional Guidelines Compliance pay, amounting to a total of $280,000.

Gone are the days of the UFC Athlete Outfitting Policy; in its place stands a more comprehensive program, including outfitting regulations and media duties, all under the banner of the fighter code of conduct.

The event, hosted at the Rio Arena, witnessed electrifying matches on the main card, aired on pay-per-view, preceded by prelims on ESPN2 and ESPN+.

Among the noteworthy payouts, former champion Jose Aldo secured $21,000 for his potentially final UFC bout, defeating Jonathan Martinez, who took home $11,000.

The breakdown of UFC 301 UFC Promotional Guidelines Compliance payouts showcased varying figures:

Alexandre Pantoja: $42,000

Steve Erceg: $32,000

Jose Aldo: $21,000

Jonathan Martinez: $11,000

And the list goes on.

This program's payout structure is tied to fighters' accumulated UFC bouts, along with their history in Zuffa-era WEC and Strikeforce fights. Payment ranges from $4,000 to $21,000 per appearance, with champions and title challengers receiving even more.

Additionally, fighters will continue to receive royalty payments ranging from 20% to 30% of UFC merchandise sales featuring their likeness.

The UFC Promotional Guidelines Compliance payouts for the year so far include the $280,000 from UFC 301, contributing to a program-to-date total of $25,657,000.

The figures not only reflect the fighters' earnings but also the UFC's commitment to recognizing their contributions to the sport.

In addition to the specific payouts for UFC 301, here's a glimpse at the broader landscape of UFC Promotional Guidelines Compliance payouts for the year:

"UFC on ESPN 55: Nicolau vs. Perez" – $175,000

"UFC 300: Pereira vs. Hill" – $460,000

"UFC Fight Night 240: Allen vs. Curtis 2" – $162,500

"UFC on ESPN 54: Blanchfield vs. Fiorot" – $173,000

"UFC on ESPN 53: Ribas vs. Namajunas" – $148,000

"UFC Fight Night 239: Tuivasa vs. Tybura" – $189,500

"UFC 299: O’Malley vs. Vera 2" – $359,000

"UFC Fight Night 238: Rozenstruik vs. Gaziev" – $133,500

"UFC Fight Night 237: Moreno vs. Royval 2" – $135,500

"UFC 298: Volkanovski vs. Topuria" – $243,000

"UFC Fight Night 236: Hermansson vs. Pyfer" – $236,500

"UFC Fight Night 235: Dolidze vs. Imavov" – $170,500

"UFC 297: Strickland vs. Du Plessis" – $285,500

"UFC Fight Night 234: Ankalaev vs. Walker 2" – $159,500

With UFC 301 added to the mix, the year-to-date total of UFC Promotional Guidelines Compliance payouts stands at an impressive $2,920,000, highlighting the substantial investment the UFC is making in its fighters.

Comparing these figures to previous years reveals a consistent dedication to compensating fighters for their efforts:

2023 total: $8,188,000

2022 total: $8,351,500

2021 total: $6,167,500

The program-to-date total, encompassing all years, now reaches a significant milestone at $25,657,000.

These payouts not only underscore the financial rewards available to UFC athletes but also emphasize the UFC's ongoing commitment to supporting and rewarding its fighters for their dedication and performances inside the Octagon.