The Islam Makhachev vs Arman Tsarukyan rematch is almost here as it headlines UFC 311 this weekend. Both fighters are expected to earn lucrative purses for the bout, but just what is the exact UFC 311 prize money on offer and how much is each fighter being paid?
UFC 311 Prize Money
The anticipation is palpable for Islam Makhachev vs Arman Tsarukyan as UFC 311 takes centre stage at the Intuit Dome on January 18 (EST). The card is headlined by the current pound-for-pound UFC king Islam Makhachev, as he defends his UFC Lightweight Title against former foe Arman Tsarukyan.
The best UFC betting sites have priced Makhachev as the overriding betting favourite for the bout. The challenger is understandably the underdog here, with the majority of UFC fans expecting the Dagestani MMA phenom to beat Tsarukyan for the second time.
Looking at the UFC 311 prize money on offer, both main event combatants are being paid rather fruitfully. As far as exact figures are concerned, official purses won’t be revealed until after the fight. However, there have been some rumours as to how much each fighter will earn.
Total Sportal have revealed that Islam Makhachev is expected to earn around $750,000 for his main event bout at UFC 311. Similarly for the challenger Arman Tsarukyan, his base purse is estimated to be around $500,000.
This is purely his base salary, not taking into consideration any bonuses. Again, expect these purses to massively inflate when pay-per-view revenue, sponsorship and other bonuses are taken into account in the aftermath of the event.
UFC prize money differs event to event, depending on the magnitude of the event and the names Dana White had fighting on the bill.
For a card of the calibre of UFC 311, rest assured the total prize money will equate to around $10 million all in. The majority of which will go solely to Islam Makhachev and Arman Tsarukyan the main event. We will update exact purses in the aftermath of UFC 311 when they are officially relevealed.
Islam Makhachev vs Arman Tsarukyan 2 Fight Purses
Both men are expected to receive an individual fight purse at UFC 311, so depending on which man has their hand raised will determine how much the winner receives. This is due to there being several UFC bonuses up for grabs.
Looking at both fighters previous purses, it very much depends on who wins as to who will be paid more. Yes, Islam Makhachev will likely earn around $2 million no matter the result, but this could inflate to around $4/5 million if he wins in emphatic fashion.
Similarly, expect Arman Tsarukyan to earn a near career-high payday if he pulls off the upset. Both are huge names in their own right. Makhachev is the best pound-for-pound UFC fighter in the world, with Tsarukyan also an incredible fighter and one of the best 155-pounders in the world.
Makhachev’s biggest purse to date came last time out at UFC 294 versus Alexander Volkanovski in the rematch, when he reportedly pocketed $2,542,000. Tsarukyan on the other hand hasn’t earned anywhere near the money Makhachev has, with his biggest purse reportedly coming at UFC 300 when he beat Charles Oliveira.
Both men are in for big pay days and both thoroughly deserve it. Whoever has their hand raised with the UFC Lightweight Title around their waist after the fight, will be the man who has earned the most UFC 311 prize money.
Official UFC 311 Purses & Payouts (Top 10 Highest Purses)
| Fighter | Base Salary | Total Purse |
|---|---|---|
| Islam Makhachev | $750,000 | TBC |
| Arman Tsarukyan | $500,000 | TBC |
| Merab Dvalishvili | $500,000 | TBC |
| Umar Nurmagomedov | $400,000 | TBC |
| Kevin Holland | $350,000 | TBC |
| Beneil Dariush | $350,000 | TBC |
| Renato Moicano | $300,000 | TBC |
| Carlos Diego Ferreira | $300,000 | TBC |
| Jiri Prochazka | $250,000 | TBC |
| Jamahal Hill | $200,000 | TBC |
All UFC 311 purses & payout info per MMA Salaries
