UFC veteran Diego Sanchez led the disclosed payroll for UFC Fight Night 42, pocketing $140,000 for his extraordinarily controversial split decision win over Ross Pearson, according to figures released to Sherdog.com by the New Mexico State Athletic Commission.
Although Sanchez was soundly outstruck by Pearson in all three rounds, and even dropped midway through round two, judges Chris Tellez and Jeff Collins awarded the New Mexico native a baffling split decision over Pearson, the latter of which gave Sanchez an indefensible 30-27 scorecard. Regardless, UFC officials awarded Pearson his own win bonus as well, bringing the Brit’s total purse up to $60,000, although that bonus is considered discretionary and not reflected on the commission’s official figures.
Aside from Sanchez, main card winners Benson Henderson and Rafael dos Anjos were the night’s biggest earners. Henderson, a former UFC lightweight champion, took home $90,000 for his headlining submission victory over Rustam Khabilov ($17,000), while dos Anjos pocketed $64,000 for his second-round stoppage of Jason High ($19,000).
UFC Fight Night 42 took place on June 7, 2014 at the Tingley Coliseum in Albuquerque, New Mexico. As always, the entire UFC Fight Night 42 payroll can be seen below, although these figures do not represent a fighter’s total earnings, as sponsorship money and discretionary post-fight bonuses are not publicly disclosed.
Additionally, Henderson, Piotr Hallmann, Scott Jorgensen and Danny Martinez earned $50,000 post-fight bonuses for their work.
Main Card (FOX Sports 1)
Benson Henderson ($45,000 + $45,000 = $90,000) def. Rustam Khabilov ($17,000)
Diego Sanchez ($70,000 + $70,000 = $140,000) def. Ross Pearson ($30,000)
John Dodson ($20,000 + $20,000 = $40,000) def. John Moraga ($19,000)
Rafael dos Anjos ($32,000 + $32,000 = $64,000) def. Jason High ($19,000)
Piotr Hallmann ($10,000 + $10,000 = $20,000) def. Yves Edwards ($24,000)
Bryan Caraway ($10,000 + $10,000 = $20,000) def. Erik Perez ($21,000)
Preliminary Card (FOX Sports 1)
Sergio Pettis ($10,000 + $10,000 = $20,000) def. Yaotzin Meza ($14,000)
Lance Benoist ($10,000 + $10,000 = $20,000) def. Bobby Voelker ($12,000)
Scott Jorgensen ($26,000 + $26,000 = $52,000) def. Danny Martinez ($8,000)
Jon Tuck ($8,000 + $8,000 = $16,000) def. Jake Lindsey ($8,000)
Preliminary Card (UFC Fight Pass)
Patrick Cummins ($8,000 + $8,000 = $16,000) def. Roger Narvaez ($8,000)