The upcoming UFC 319 event, set for August 16 at the United Center in Chicago, will feature a highly anticipated middleweight championship fight between Khamzat Chimaev and Dricus du Plessis. This pay-per-view event marks UFC’s return to Chicago, also known as ‘The Windy City,’ for its eighth occasion in the city’s history. The focus on Khamzat Chimaev UFC earnings has grown as fans and analysts anticipate the financial stakes involved in this headline clash.
Projected Earnings for Khamzat Chimaev and Dricus du Plessis at UFC 319
As UFC 319 approaches, speculation about fighter payouts is intensifying among the MMA community. Although official numbers remain undisclosed, estimates can be drawn from fighters‘ recent earnings and contract patterns. Both Chimaev and du Plessis have maintained impressive unbeaten records, elevating their status within the promotion.
Dricus du Plessis has recently secured title defense victories over Sean Strickland and Israel Adesanya. For the win against Adesanya, du Plessis reportedly earned close to $1.9 million, and his payout surpassed $3 million after defeating Strickland. Meanwhile, Khamzat Chimaev earned approximately $1 million for his dominant victory over Robert Whittaker at UFC 308. Should Chimaev triumph over du Plessis, his earnings could reach around $1.8 million, while du Plessis is expected to earn close to $3 million once again for his title defense.
Estimated Pay for Key Fighters in Supporting UFC 319 Bouts
The UFC 319 card also includes notable matches besides the main event. Lerone Murphy will take on newcomer Aaron Pico in a featherweight bout, stepping in after Movsar Evloev’s withdrawal. Murphy boasts an unbeaten run within the UFC, with recent wins over Josh Emmett and Dan Ige. For beating Ige at UFC 308, Murphy’s payout reportedly exceeded $200,000, and he might earn around $300,000 for this upcoming fight. In contrast, Aaron Pico, making his UFC debut, is likely to earn under $100,000.
Carlos Prates, who is preparing for a match against veteran Geoff Neal, enters this fight after a loss to Ian Machado Garry. Despite his recent defeat, Prates reportedly received about $350,000 in his last outing. Geoff Neal, returning after a victory over Rafael Dos Anjos, earned over $200,000 for that fight and is expected to earn a similar amount at UFC 319. If Prates manages to win, he could see earnings above $400,000, while Neal’s payout is projected near $200,000.
Significance and Potential Impact of UFC Pay Disclosures
The projected earnings at UFC 319 underscore the growing financial rewards for fighters climbing the ranks while spotlighting the economic dynamics at play in the promotion. With Khamzat Chimaev emerging as a major contender following his strong performances, the significant paycheck on the line highlights his rising profile. Meanwhile, du Plessis’s substantial earnings for recent title defenses establish him firmly as a top earner in the sport.
For UFC fans and industry watchers, the payout estimates provide context for the fighters’ motivations and the stakes involved in this pivotal event. As UFC 319 unfolds in Chicago’s United Center, the outcomes and corresponding earnings will likely influence contractual negotiations and fighter valuations in future matchups.