Unofficial reports indicate that Khamzat Chimaev earned more than $3 million for his fight, though approximately 50% would go to taxes. Sean Strickland reportedly earned slightly over $1 million for the same event. These figures are described as unofficial and have not been confirmed by the UFC or the fighters' representatives. The post does not specify whether these amounts include pay-per-view points, bonuses, or other potential revenue streams. The significant pay disparity between the two fighters is notable given that Chimaev lost the bout.
Unconfirmed reports circulating after UFC 328 suggest that Khamzat Chimaev took home more than $3 million for his middleweight clash with Sean Strickland, while the champion reportedly earned slightly over $1 million for the same event. Neither figure has been verified by the UFC or the fighters' representatives, and it remains unclear whether the amounts reflect base purses only or also include pay-per-view points, performance bonuses, or other revenue streams.
Chimaev, known as "Borz," entered the fight as the number-one ranked middleweight and the tenth-ranked pound-for-pound fighter in the world. The 32-year-old representing the United Arab Emirates carries a 15-1 record and trains out of Allstars Training Center. He is a physically imposing presence at six-foot-two with a 75-inch reach, and his statistical profile is built around elite grappling — he averages 5.29 takedowns per 15 minutes and 1.8 submission attempts per 15 minutes, complemented by a striking accuracy rate of 60 percent.
Strickland, the reigning middleweight champion, is a 35-year-old American out of Xtreme Couture who stands six-foot-one with a 76-inch reach. The orthodox fighter holds a 31-7 record and has built his reputation on relentless output, landing 6.04 significant strikes per minute. Despite the reported pay gap, it was "Tarzan" who left the bout on the winning side.
Why it matters
- The reported pay disparity is striking given that Chimaev lost the contest, raising questions about how UFC pay structures reward drawing power versus performance.
- Chimaev's rumored earnings likely reflect his commercial profile as the top-ranked challenger in the division regardless of the result.
- Neither camp has publicly addressed the figures, so all numbers should be treated as unverified until official disclosure or confirmation.
