At UFC Atlanta on June 20, 2025, Kamaru Usman reclaimed a unanimous decision win over Joaquin Buckley in the main event, while Rose Namajunas secured a victory against Miranda Maverick in the co-main event. Despite both fighters’ successes, controversy erupted over the disparity in their disclosed paychecks, bringing attention to the Kamaru Usman UFC Atlanta paycheck controversy. Renato Moicano, a lightweight contender, voiced strong criticism over Usman’s lower base pay compared to Namajunas’ during a recent podcast.

Renato Moicano Challenges UFC’s Pay Structure at UFC Atlanta

Following the UFC Atlanta event, Renato ‘Money’ Moicano shared his views on fighter compensation on the Show Me The Money podcast, where he expressed surprise at the fighter payouts. Namajunas, known as ‘Thug Rose,’ earned $500,000 just to show up, a figure that Moicano called excessive.

Too much. Too f—— much. I was surprised on that, brother. What is going on, my brother? $500,000. You got a good manager, right?

—Renato Moicano, Lightweight Contender

Moicano criticized other fighters’ payouts as well, suggesting they received more than deserved, including Kris Moutinho’s $14,000, Michael Chiesa’s $300,000, Court McGee’s $83,000, Cody Brundage’s $65,000, Andre Petroski’s $100,000, and Rodolfo Bellato’s $12,000. However, he reserved his strongest objection for Usman’s $300,000 base pay, which was $200,000 less than Namajunas’ guaranteed amount. He said,

I think it’s too low for him.

—Renato Moicano, Lightweight Contender

Moicano suggested that Usman’s appearance fee should have been closer to half a million dollars, matching what Namajunas earned merely for participation. This sharp critique highlighted perceived inconsistencies in payout fairness, especially given Usman’s historic career.

Comparing Career Achievements of Usman and Namajunas

Rose Namajunas is a two-time UFC champion, defending her title twice. While her notable victories over fighters like Joanna Jedrzejczyk and Weili Zhang are celebrated, her recent performances have drawn criticism for ending in unanimous decisions rather than finishes. Her overall UFC record stands at 12 wins and 6 losses, with her last five fights all ending as unanimous decisions.

In contrast, Kamaru Usman achieved a 19-fight winning streak before a recent three-fight losing streak. He won the UFC welterweight title in 2019 and defended it successfully five times before losing to Leon Edwards at UFC 278. Usman’s UFC record is 16-3, with nine wins by knockout and one by submission, showcasing a dominant and dynamic fighting style that contributes significantly to his marketability.

Details of Kamaru Usman’s Earnings Beyond His Base Pay

Alongside his $300,000 base pay for UFC Atlanta, Usman earned additional bonuses and sponsorship income. His outstanding performance against Buckley earned him the $50,000 Performance of the Night bonus. He also received a win bonus estimated at about $300,000 and sponsorship deals likely adding somewhere between $16,000 and $32,000. Furthermore, the UFC provided $260,500 as Promotional Guidelines Compliance pay, which rewards fighters adhering to promotional requirements.

Despite the extra earnings, Usman’s total compensation remained below Namajunas’ guaranteed base pay. Namajunas received a comparable amount in bonuses and compliance pay but did not earn a performance bonus at the event. Observers suggest the difference in base pay may partly be due to Usman’s recent inactivity, as his fight at UFC Atlanta was his first since 2021. Industry insiders predict that if Usman continues to climb the rankings, his guaranteed base pay could soon reach $1 million.

Fighters’ Perspectives and Fan Debate on Pay Discrepancies

The pay gap between Namajunas and Usman has sparked debate among fighters and fans alike. Voices within the MMA community, including Renato Moicano, emphasize the need for compensation reflecting fighters’ achievements and drawing power. The disparity raises questions about how UFC determines pay scales and whether current methods align with fighter contributions and marketability.

Fans continue to weigh in on whether Namajunas merits a higher paycheck than Usman, considering both fighters’ histories and recent performances. The conversation underlines ongoing tensions in fighter pay transparency and equity within the UFC’s business model.

What This Means for UFC and Fighter Compensation Moving Forward

The controversy surrounding the Kamaru Usman UFC Atlanta paycheck controversy highlights ongoing scrutiny of pay equity in MMA. As fighters publicly challenge UFC’s payment decisions, pressure mounts on the promotion to clarify its compensation policies. For Usman, regaining his standing and climbing back into title contention may result in significantly increased pay in upcoming bouts.

Meanwhile, the spotlight on Namajunas’ payout indicates that top-tier fighters, regardless of division or gender, continue to command substantial guaranteed compensation. How UFC balances factors like inactivity, past achievements, and marketability will remain central to discussions about fighter contracts and event paychecks in the near future.