The world of mixed martial arts was left surprised when podcast giant Joe Rogan discussed the astronomical paydays in professional boxing with UFC champions Israel Adesanya and Alexander Volkanovski.
In the video clip, Rogan couldn’t contain his amazement at the financial figures being thrown around in boxing’s heavyweight division. “Did you see the numbers that Usyk and Dubois are getting?” he asked the two UFC stars, before revealing the amounts that left all three men speechless.
The numbers in question paint a picture of boxing’s incredible earning potential compared to mixed martial arts. Usyk’s recent victory over Daniel Dubois at Wembley Stadium didn’t just cement his status as the undisputed heavyweight champion for a second time – it also delivered a payday that dwarfs most MMA purses by comparison.
“Look at the numbers, $132m and $71m. That’s crazy numbers for purses… 132 and 71!” Rogan exclaimed, highlighting the vast financial gulf between boxing’s premier events and even the biggest UFC cards.
At 38 years old, Usyk has built an estimated net worth of £45 million, largely through his high-profile matches with top heavyweight contenders. His business acumen extends beyond the ring, with investments in a boxing social media platform called ‘Ready to Fight’ and his own promotional company, Usyk-17 Promotions, which develops young boxing talent.
The Ukrainian champion has also established a non-profit organization dedicated to helping his war-torn homeland.
Meanwhile, Dubois has experienced his own financial transformation. Before his breakthrough victory over Anthony Joshua, the London native was worth approximately £3.8 million. That single triumph essentially doubled his net worth overnight.
Despite his recent knockout loss, Dubois remains philosophical about the outcome. “I gave everything I had. Take no credit away from that man, I’ll be back,” he told DAZN after the bout,.
For Usyk, the victory represents more than just financial gain. The undefeated champion reclaimed the IBF belt he had relinquished over a year ago while retaining his WBA, WBC, and WBO titles. His dominance over British heavyweights continues to be a defining characteristic of his reign, having now defeated Dubois twice, along with notable victories over Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua.
The champion’s dedication to his craft was evident in his post-victory comments about his training regimen. “I prepared 3½ months, I’ve not seen my family, my wife. Every day I live with my team — 14 guys in one house. Now I want to go back home,” he revealed, explaining the sacrifices behind such enormous payouts.
Despite being labeled as past his prime by some critics, Usyk’s performance against Dubois answered questions about his age and power. The knockout came after he dropped Dubois twice in the fifth round, with the final blow leaving the Briton unable to beat the count before 90,000 spectators at Wembley.
Looking ahead, the Ukrainian shows no signs of slowing down, declaring himself still a “young guy” and naming several potential opponents, including Fury, Derek Chisora, Joshua, and Joseph Parker. Even social media personality Jake Paul has expressed interest in a potential bout.
