Newly minted UFC welterweight contender Martin Kampmann topped the disclosed payroll for last Friday’s The Ultimate Fighter Live Finale, taking home $84,000 for his headlining victory over Jake Ellenberger, according to figures released by the Nevada State Athletic Commission.
Kampmann survived early danger to knockout Ellenberger ($42,000) midway through the second frame in the night’s featured bout.
In the TUF Live season finals, perennial underdog Michael Chiesa ($16,000) choked out Al Iaquinta ($8,000) to earn the upset TUF Live title, a UFC contract, a Harley-Davidson and a TapouT endorsement deal.
Aside from the main event, Charles Oliveira ($32,000) was the only fighter to exceed a purse of $16,000, as the card heavily featured fighters making their official UFC debut.
The Ultimate Fighter Live Finale took place on June 1, 2012 at the Palms Casino Resort in Paradise, NV. The entire TUF Live Finale payroll can be seen below, however these figures do not represent a fighter’s total earnings, as sponsorship money and discretionary post-fight bonuses are not publicly disclosed.
Additionally, Kampmann, Chiesa, Justin Lawrence (x2) and John Cofer pocketed $40,000 in post-fight bonuses for their work.
FX main card:
Martin Kampmann ($42,000 + $42,000 = $84,000) def. Jake Ellenberger ($42,000)
Michael Chiesa ($8,000 + $8,000 = $16,000) def. Al Iaquinta ($8,000)
Charles Oliveira ($16,000 + $16,000 = $32,000) def. Jonathan Brookins ($15,000)
Max Holloway ($6,000 + $6,000 = $12,000) def. Pat Schilling ($6,000)
Justin Lawrence ($8,000 + $8,000 = $16,000) def. John Cofer ($8,000)
FUEL TV preliminary card:
Daron Cruickshank ($8,000 + $8,000 = $16,000) def. Chris Tickle ($8,000)
Myles Jury ($8,000 + $8,000 = $16,000) def. Chris Saunders ($8,000)
Sam Sicilia ($8,000 + $8,000 = $16,000) def. Cristiano Marcello ($8,000)
Joe Proctor ($8,000 + $8,000 = $16,000) def. Jeremy Larsen ($8,000)
Facebook preliminary card:
Erik Perez ($6,000 + $6,000 = $12,000) def. John Albert ($8,000)