UFC lightweight champion Islam Makhachev will defend his title against Brazilian Renato Moicano at UFC 311, after Arman Tsarukyan withdrew due to injury on the eve of the event. Beyond the sporting aspect, this fight promises to be particularly lucrative for the two protagonists. Well, one more than the other.
According to English estimates, the reigning champion Makhachev is guaranteed to receive a fixed purse of one million dollars, supplemented by $42,000 in sponsorship. His earnings could even rise to $3.5 million thanks to pay-per-view revenues, if sales exceed 750,000 units. Remuneration in line with his previous fight against Dustin Poirier, which earned him $2.64 million.
From double to three times more for Islam Makhachev
For Renato Moicano, this last minute replacement proves financially advantageous. Initially scheduled to face Beneil Dariush in a fight which was to earn him $300,000, the Brazilian saw his guaranteed purse increase to $500,000, plus $32,000 in sponsorship. Depending on pay-per-view sales, his earnings could reach $1.8 million.
This late change to the main poster illustrates the considerable financial stakes surrounding title fights in the UFC, where pay-per-view revenues can significantly multiply fighters’ earnings.
