The UFC’s first PPV event of 2024 was a success. UFC 297 in Toronto, Canada, headlined by two title fights, sold over 500,000 pay-per-view buys. Sean Strickland, who came into the event as champion, made seven figures despite losing, while his opponent and new 185-pound champion, Dricus Du Plessis left Canada reportedly $382,000 richer.

Of course, the bulk amount of what fighters made is their show money, win money, bonuses, and PPV share for the stars and champions. However, one lesser-known part of fighter pay is ‘Compliance Pay’, sponsored by the UFC’s official partner, Venum.

How much did the stars make in UFC 297 Compliance Pay?

Compliance Pay is based upon the number and frequency a fighter has in the UFC and their adherence to the promotional guidelines, especially in the case of their gear. This replaced the former arrangement where fighters were able to use their apparel and equipment for personal sponsorships, which was a not insignificant source of income for many fighters.

Sean Strickland got $42,000 in Compliance Pay, while Dricus Du Plessis took home $32,000 for it. For the co-main event, winner Raquel Pennington earned $32,000, while her opponent Mayra Bueno Silva got $32,000 in Compliance Pay.

Neil Magny on the other hand made $21,500, while the relative newcomer Mike Malott took home $4,500 for it. The total payout for the event was approximately $285,000, taking this year’s Compliance Pay tally up to 445,000 and lifetime payments exceeding $23 million.

While the card was overall well received by fans, the main event divided fans.

Du Plessis wins razor-thin decision at UFC 297

Dricus Du Plessis and Sean Strickland had promised they would go to war in their UFC 297 clash. Both men kept their promise with the South African winning a close split-decision that most feel could have gone either way. The new champion called out Israel Adesanya to take care of unfinished business between them after the win.

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In the co-main event, Raquel Pennington won a unanimous decision against Mayra Bueno Silva to become the new UFC women’s bantamweight champion. Neil Magny defeated promising Canadian prospect Mike Malott in their main card bout in a mild upset.

Do you agree with the split decision being awarded to Du Plessis? Or, do you think Sean Strickland was robbed? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below.

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