It looks like two egregious scores from the Albuquerque, New Mexico, judges on Saturday were deciding factors in giving UFC lightweight Diego Sanchez a very lucrative payday at UFC Fight Night 42.
Sherdog first released the official payroll from the event on Wednesday, revealing that Sanchez walked home $140,000 richer.
The usual disclaimer rings true: the figures don’t include the UFC’s infamous locker room bonuses or the money deducted for taxes.
Benson Henderson: $90,000 (includes $45,000 win bonus)
Rustam Khabilov: $17,000Diego Sanchez: $140,000 (includes $70,000 win bonus)
Ross Pearson: $60,000 (includes $30,000 win bonus)John Dodson: $40,000 (includes $20,000 win bonus)
John Moraga: $19,000Rafael dos Anjos: $64,000 (includes $32,000 win bonus)
Jason High: $19,000Piotr Hallmann: $20,000 (includes $10,000 win bonus)
Yves Edwards: $24,000Bryan Caraway: $20,000 (includes $10,000 win bonus)
Erik Perez: $21,000Sergio Pettis: $20,000 (includes $10,000 win bonus)
Yaotzin Meza: $14,000Lance Benoist: $20,000 (includes $10,000 win bonus)
Bobby Voelker: $12,000Scott Jorgensen: $52,000 (includes $26,000 win bonus)
Danny Martinez: $8,000Jon Tuck: $16,000 (includes $8,000 win bonus)
Jake Lindsey: $8,000Patrick Cummins: $16,000 (includes $8,000 win bonus)
Roger Narvaez: $8,000
Sanchez (25-7, 14-7 UFC) has been a part of the UFC since April 2005, when he scored a TKO over Kenny Florian to earn the distinction of the first Ultimate Fighter at middleweight.
While he fought in the events co-headliner, The Nightmare seemed to make the most headlines in the aftermath of UFC Fight Night 42 since many considered his decision over Ross Pearson one of the worst in MMA history.
According to FightMetric, The Real Deal outworked Sanchez in every major category: significant strikes, striking accuracy, takedowns and knockdowns.
Nevertheless, two judges ruled in favor of the hometown favorite, with Judge Jeff Collins inexplicably scoring the fight 30-27 Sanchez—despite getting dropped with a big right hand in the second round.
Despite the highly controversial outcome of the fight, UFC President Dana White has ruled out a rematch between Sanchez and Pearson and still awarded the English slugger his win bonus, per ESPN.
Although both competitors initially expressed an interest in a rematch, they have apparently moved on as Sanchez wants to fight Nate Diaz and Pearson is respectfully asking for a matchup with Joe Lauzon.
The No. 2 earner out of the 22 combatants is former lightweight champion Benson Henderson, who submitted underdog Rustam Khabilov with a rear-naked choke in the fourth round.
Bendo is now in a unique place at 155 pounds, as he boasts a 9-1 record during his time with the UFC, but he has already lost to current titleholder Anthony Pettis twice.
Rafael dos Anjos, Pearson and Scott Jorgensen were the only other competitors to walk home with over $50,000 (on the books at least).
John Heinis is a Featured Columnist for Bleacher Report. He is also the MMA editor for eDraft.com.
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