Rising UFC Superstar Has Made More Money Than Forbes Richest Athlete Conor McGregor Made in His First Four Fights

Published 02/23/2022, 5:29 AM EST

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Khamzat Chimaev is one of the most electrifying fighters in the UFC right now. His dominant performances from start to finish have left fans hungry for more. His aura, raw talent, and eccentricity have made a massive fan following accumulate like a snowball down an avalanche.

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The UFC pays fighters for doing their job, but rewards those who can put up a show. The spectatorship aspect in the UFC is key to longevity in one’s professional career.

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In a small line of exceptional fighters who are also performers, Khamzat Chimaev has also established himself as one of those individuals.

So let’s take a look at the Swede’s first four UFC earnings compared to some of the other exceptional fighters, like Conor McGregor, who were performers. However, to keep in mind, these earnings do not include PPV bonuses and other undisclosed bonuses.

How much did Khamzat Chimaev earn in his first four fights?

The Swede has created a storm in the UFC after just four outings. In his debut fight against Phillips, Chimaev was paid $73,500 ($10,000 to show up, $10,000 as a win bonus, $50,000 for Performance of the Night, and $3,500 fight week incentive pay).

In his second fight against McKee, payment for the Swede’s performance was at the ballpark of $77,500 ($12,000 to show up, $12,000 win bonus, $50,000 for Performance of the Night, and $3,500 fight week incentive pay).

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In his third fight, he received $143,500 ($45,000 to show, $45,000 win bonus, $50,000 Performance of the Night bonus, $3,500 fight week incentive pay).

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His latest fight was against Li Jingliang at UFC 267, for which the payment was $154,500 ($50,000 to show, $50,000 win bonus, $50,000 Performance of the Night bonus, $4,500 fight week incentive pay.)

How much did Conor McGregor earn from his first four fights?

The Irishman made his debut in high fashion, carrying home a purse of $76,000 ($8,000 show money, $8,000 win bonus, $60,000 Knockout of the Night bonus).

The second fight was a drop in comparison to his first fight. He fought against Max Holloway, for which he carried home a purse of just $24,000.

In his third performance on UFC Fight Night: McGregor vs. Brandao, Conor McGregor earned $82,000 ($16,000 show money, $16,000 win bonus, $50,000 Performance of the Night bonus).

The fourth fight of his career was his biggest payday up to that point in time. His win over Dustin Poirier earned him $200,000 ($75,000 show money, $75,000 win bonus, $50,000 Performance of the Night bonus).

Who earned more, Khamzat Chimaev? or Conor McGregor?

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Khamzat Chimaev’s total earnings from his fights up to date are a total of $449,000, whereas the Irishman earned $382,000. Off by a figure of $67,000, Khamzat Chimaev has earned a tad bit more than McGregor in his first four fights.

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Although, a few factors are to be considered here before establishing ultimatums. Factors such as inflation, currency differences, and the expansion of the UFC are also to be considered here. They are contributing factors to how fighters are being paid right now.

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Hence, Chimaev might have been paid more than the Irishman in his first four fights, but adjusting for inflation and other factors might place McGregor right beside Chimaev or even see ‘The Notorious’ breeze past ‘Borz’.

WATCH THIS STORY – Israel Adesanya Net Worth: Five Biggest Fight Purses of ‘The Last Stylebender’ in UFC

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Written by:

Rohit Raj

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Rohit Raj is a UFC writer at EssentiallySports. As a Business student, Rohit’s love for the UFC was double-sided with the business of it being just as intriguing as the martial arts aspect of it. “Don't just fight, perform” is a quote that he believes drives the most entertaining fights of the UFC, with the likes of Conor McGregor, Chael Sonnen, and Israel Adesanya sweeping him off his feet with their skill as well as swagger and trash talk capabilities.
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