UFC 328 is set to deliver one of the biggest MMA cards of the year at the Prudential Center in New Jersey. The event features two title fights, several ranked contenders, and some of the UFC’s most popular fighters. Fans are especially focused on the middleweight championship clash. The fight between Khamzat Chimaev and Sean Strickland is headlining the pay-per-view card.
Notably, the UFC rarely confirms official fighter salaries. Several reports have estimated what the athletes could earn based on previous payouts and pay-per-view bonuses. Chimaev is expected to receive the biggest purse of his career as reigning champion, while former middleweight champion Strickland could also secure another multi-million-dollar payday. The co-main event between flyweight champion Joshua Van and challenger Tatsuro Taira is also expected to feature career-high earnings for both fighters.
Khamzat Chimaev and Sean Strickland Expected to Lead UFC 328 Payouts
Khamzat Chimaev has quickly become one of the UFC’s biggest stars. Reports from BETMGM previously claimed that the undefeated fighter earned around $2.6 million for his title victory over Dricus du Plessis at UFC 319. Earlier, GiveMeSport reported that Chimaev took home approximately $1.5 million after defeating Robert Whittaker at UFC 308. Since UFC 328 marks his first title defense as champion, many expect his earnings to rise even higher. The main event is also one of the most heavily promoted fights of the year. It could increase pay-per-view bonuses and sponsorship revenue.
Sean Strickland has also built impressive career earnings over the years. According to reports, the former middleweight champion has earned more than $6 million in his UFC career. His biggest reported payday came after his upset win over Israel Adesanya at UFC 293. For the fight he reportedly received around $1.5 million. Recent reports also suggested that Strickland earned close to $1.3 million during his title fight against du Plessis at UFC 312. Facing a major draw like Chimaev could once again place him among the highest-paid fighters on the card.
The co-main event could also produce major payouts. Joshua Van reportedly earned $1.2 million after defeating Alexandre Pantoja to become champion at UFC 323. Meanwhile, Tatsuro Taira reportedly earned around $176,000 after facing Brandon Moreno. With a title opportunity now in front of him, Taira is expected to receive the biggest purse of his MMA career.
