PFL MMA fighters work hard for their huge paychecks and key figures like Francis Ngannou and Jake Paul in the lineup, know their salaries and contract details
The financial landscape for fighters has been a subject of ongoing debate. Unlike major sports leagues such as the NFL or MLB, MMA lacks a union that allows athletes to exert control over their earnings. However, the Professional Fighters League (PFL) has been making waves with its unique tournament format and substantial payouts
PFL MMA fighters salaries list, contract details, purses, payouts and highest paid salary
Unlike traditional promotions, the PFL’s entire platform revolves around a tournament format. Fighters, both seasoned and emerging, compete for a chance to win a grand prize of $1 million in the finals.
PFL Founder Donn Davis feels Dana White is "worried" about the PFL #TheMMAHour
“Everybody knows Dana well enough that he only dismisses things that worry him. Or else he just doesn’t comment… He’s commented on the PFL a lot the last six months."
▶️ https://t.co/B8mi3zgBf5 pic.twitter.com/H6zLuvf2Dp
— MMA Fighting (@MMAFighting) November 20, 2023
Recent PFL events shed light on fighters’ financial gains. At PFL 7, Kayla Harrison earned $125,000 for her victory, contrasting with Bobby Jo Dalziel’s $25,000. Ray Cooper III secured $100,000 by defeating Chris Curtis, who received $50,000.
PFL 8 showcased Natan Schulte’s $99,900, Lance Palmer’s $99,950, and Loik Radzhabov’s $63,800 for their respective wins.
The 2022 season at the Overtime Elite Arena featured varied purses. Alex Martinez earned $38,000 at PFL 4, surpassing Clay Collard’s $28,000.
PFL 5 saw Olivier Aubin-Mercier with $54,000 and Stevie Ray’s $80,000 overshadowing Anthony Pettis’s $750,000. In PFL 6, Kayla Harrison earned an impressive $500,000, while Sadibou Sy and Rory MacDonald received $52,000 and $250,000, respectively.
The 2023 season in Atlanta continued the trend. Larissa Pacheco earned $100,000 at PFL 5, emphasizing substantial payouts. Denis Goltsov secured $100,000 against Yorgan De Castro’s $50,000 at PFL 5.
PFL 6’s main event had Olivier Aubin-Mercier with $100,000 and Anthony Romero with $15,000. Notable purses also included Sadibou Sy’s $100,000 and Magomed Magomedkerimov’s $100,000. The evolving financial landscape in PFL highlights the league’s recognition of fighters’ contributions.
🚨 BREAKING 🚨
We are joining the PFL family!Bellator 🤝 PFLhttps://t.co/Z21Ksw7qS3
— Bellator MMA (@BellatorMMA) November 20, 2023
In a groundbreaking move, the PFL acquired Bellator MMA, marking a significant step towards challenging the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). Backed by Saudi Arabia’s SRJ Sports Investments, the PFL’s acquisition positions it as a formidable competitor in the MMA landscape.
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