It seems like 2016 is the year MMA fighters finally got paid big money for their efforts. Back in March at UFC 196, Conor McGregor set the record for the highest disclosed purse (before PPV cuts) with a $1 million payout. Brock Lesnar quickly broke that record in July at UFC 200, when he received $2.5 million to fight Mark Hunt. Six weeks later at UFC 202, Conor bested Brock with a $3 million purse. Nate Diaz, for the record, received $2 million.
Let’s take a moment to put that into perspective: Nate Diaz made the third-highest disclosed purse in UFC history. Nate Diaz. Just behind Brock. This is a good world we live in. Fighters are getting paid and it’s thanks to Conor McGregor.
This wasn’t, however, the most expensive card in UFC history. That still goes to UFC 200 who had a card packed from top to bottom with star power. UFC 200’s total payroll equaled $6,976,000 whereas UFC 202’s payroll came in just under at $6.1 million.
Keep in mind both Conor and Nate will be making quite a bit more cash once the PPV buys finalize. Big Brand Boys is estimating that Conor will make a cool $15 million, while Nate will bring home $13 million for wearing the crimson mask for nearly 25 minutes.
