After a break since October, former featherweight champion Ilia Topuria returns at UFC 317 to compete against Charles Oliveira for the vacant lightweight title this Saturday. Both fighters are set to receive significant earnings tied to the championship bout, reflecting their elite status and fan interest at the event.
This year’s UFC 13th Annual International Fight Week in the United States culminates with Topuria and Oliveira headlining the pay-per-view card, each vying to claim the 155-pound championship crown and maximize their fight purses and potential bonuses.
Ilia Topuria’s Rising UFC Earnings Trajectory
Known as “El Matador,” Ilia Topuria has steadily built his reputation by claiming featherweight gold and defending it with decisive knockouts, including a notable win over Max Holloway at UFC 308, where he reportedly earned $2.4 million. His prior featherweight victory against Alexander Volkanovski at UFC 298 brought him a fight purse ranging between $350,000 and $532,000, showcasing his increasing market value.
Earlier in his career, Topuria’s base salary was modest by UFC standards—an $80,000 payout complemented by a $50,000 bonus against Josh Emmett. Despite not being the largest draw historically, Topuria has established himself as a rapidly ascending talent, and his featured role at UFC 317 signals further advancement in his financial and professional standing.
For UFC 317, Topuria’s base salary will not be the typical $750,000 reserved for champions but is expected to approach $1.5 to 2 million, reflecting the high stakes and championship implications against Oliveira.
Charles Oliveira’s Consistent Title-Level Payouts
Fans and supporters from Guarujá, São Paulo, and the broader Team Chute Boxe community eagerly anticipate Charles Oliveira’s return to title contention. Known as “Do Bronx,” Oliveira has amassed an impressive fight record combined with substantial earnings, underlining his status as one of UFC’s top finishers.
Oliveira earned a $1 million flat purse for his UFC 309 pay-per-view rematch win against Michael Chandler, with a starting base payout of $500,000 that included sponsorship bonuses. Prior fights have also seen significant paydays, including a $750,000 base salary for a title eliminator against Arman Tsarukyan, and $1.7 million despite losing the lightweight championship to Islam Makhachev.
Another highlight in Oliveira’s financial journey was his $600,000 base fight bracket against Dustin Poirier, supplemented by over a million dollars in win and PPV bonuses. For his upcoming bout at UFC 317, Oliveira’s total earnings are expected to align closely with Topuria’s, likely ranging from $1.7 up to $2 million.
Oliveira benefits from UFC’s Promotional Guidelines Compliance payouts, including additional income from Venum’s multi-year outfitting contract. Champions and title challengers like him also typically receive ongoing royalty payments linked to merchandise and media appearances.
Merchandising and Sponsorship Deals Enhance Fighter Incomes
Both Topuria and Oliveira are key figures in promotional opportunities outside the octagon. Topuria earns revenue through collaborations with brands such as RYU Apparel Inc. and the Kanpai Collective’s Anpai Pandas. Oliveira, flourishing in the post-Zuffa UFC era, is a prominent athlete under the Venum banner.
They are also featured athletes in the EA Sports™ UFC® 5 video game series, contributing to their income streams with long-term royalties that complement their fight earnings.
Financial Stakes Reflect Topuria UFC 317 Earnings Growth and Oliveira’s Veteran Status
The UFC 317 lightweight title fight highlights how both Ilia Topuria and Charles Oliveira have climbed the financial ranks of the promotion, supported by their fight records, fan followings, and commercial partnerships. Their combined purses, which could reach $2 million apiece, demonstrate the lucrative rewards awaiting fighters at the highest competition levels.
The event’s significance extends beyond just the belts; it serves as a potent showcase of emerging and established talent, with potential ripple effects on UFC’s global marketability and future matchmaking decisions.