In a rare moment of transparency in the world of mixed martial arts, the Georgia Athletic & Entertainment Commission has disclosed the actual MMA star payouts from UFC Atlanta, confirming that Rose Namajunas walked away with the event’s biggest payday.
MMA journalist Ariel Helwani praised the commission’s decision during his show, highlighting the importance of accurate financial reporting in the sport.
“Shout out to Georgia for actually revealing these purses and not the fake numbers,” Helwani said. “I hate when people write about the fake numbers when they’re very clearly fake.”
According to the official figures, Namajunas earned a total of $500,000 for her victory over Miranda Maverick—a $250,000 show purse plus a $250,000 win bonus. While impressive, Helwani suggested the former champion deserves even more.
“That’s legit. And she deserves that,” Helwani commented. “But considering her time, considering what she’s done, considering who she is, I would argue she deserves more than that.”
The disclosure provides fans with valuable insight into the financial realities of professional fighters. As Helwani pointed out, “We know what Kevin Durant makes to the penny,” suggesting similar transparency should exist in combat sports.
Other notable payouts included main event winner Kamaru Usman, who received $300,000 with no win bonus for his victory over Joaquin Buckley, who earned $150,000 despite the loss. Former bantamweight champion Cody Garbrandt took home $275,000 despite falling to Raoni Barcelos, who earned just $102,000 for his win.
Veteran Michael Chiesa also secured a substantial payday, earning $300,000 ($150,000 show plus $150,000 win bonus) for his victory over Court McGee on the preliminary card.
The commission’s disclosure illuminated the vast pay disparities within the UFC. While established stars commanded six-figure paydays, newcomers like Jose Ochoa and Jamey-Lyn Horth earned just $20,000 and $50,000 respectively for their victories.
These revelations come at a time when fighter compensation remains a contentious issue in the UFC, with many athletes and observers arguing that competitors deserve a larger share of the promotion’s revenue.
For now, the Georgia commission’s transparency offers a rare glimpse into the actual economics of the sport’s premier organization, confirming what many have long suspected about the wide gap between top earners and those climbing the ranks.
