UFC 319 Fighter Salaries: Who Got The Top Payout, Chimaev Becomes New Champion
The United Center in Chicago witnessed a changing of the guard on August 16, 2025, as Khamzat Chimaev dethroned Dricus Du Plessis to capture the UFC middleweight championship at UFC 319. “Borz” dominated the South African champion across five rounds, showcasing relentless grappling pressure en route to a unanimous decision victory.
Du Plessis may have left without the belt, but he walked away with the highest paycheck of the night — an estimated $3.8 million. Meanwhile, the new champion Chimaev earned $2.68 million for his efforts, plus a $50,000 Performance of the Night bonus for his suffocating display.
Joining Chimaev in the Performance of the Night club were Lerone Murphy, Carlos Prates, and Tim Elliott, each pocketing an additional $50,000.
| Fighter | Estimated Total Payout |
|---|---|
| Dricus Du Plessis | $3,800,000 |
| Khamzat Chimaev | $2,680,000 |
| Lerone Murphy | $1,270,000 |
| Aaron Pico | $715,000 |
| Edson Barboza | $421,000 |
| Tim Elliott | $421,000 |
| Michael Page | $410,000 |
| Jared Cannonier | $371,000 |
| Gerald Meerschaert | $371,000 |
| Jessica Andrade | $346,000 |
| Michal Oleksiejczuk | $266,000 |
| Loopy Godinez | $265,000 |
| Drakkar Klose | $261,000 |
| Alexander Hernandez | $216,000 |
| Geoff Neal | $211,000 |
| Kai Asakura | $210,000 |
| Chase Hooper | $161,000 |
| Carlos Prates | $131,000 |
| Karine Silva | $93,000 |
| Joseph Morales | $60,000 |
| Dione Barbosa | $30,000 |
| Baysangur Susurkaev | $28,000 |
| Alibi Idris | $16,000 |
| Eric Nolan | $16,000 |
🎙️ MainEvent.News | Backstage Take
The numbers tell the story: UFC 319 wasn’t just about a title changing hands — it was about Khamzat Chimaev proving he’s the company’s new middleweight centerpiece. Du Plessis cashing the largest paycheck despite losing underscores his drawing power, but Chimaev’s ability to dominate him will only elevate his star power (and future earning potential).
The Performance of the Night bonuses also highlight the UFC’s knack for rewarding fighters who deliver action outside the main event spotlight. For prospects like Carlos Prates and veterans like Tim Elliott, those $50,000 checks are game-changers.
The biggest takeaway? Chimaev isn’t just a fighter anymore — he’s the UFC’s new investment at 185 pounds, and the payday trend will only climb from here.
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