Former UFC champions Mauricio “Shogun” Rua and B.J. Penn topped the disclosed payroll for last Saturday’s UFC on FOX 5 event, pocketing six-figure purses despite losing unanimous decisions, according to figures released to MMAFighting.com by the Washington State Department of Licensing.
Rua led the way with reported earnings of $175,000 for his co-main event loss to Swedish prospect Alexander Gustafsson ($60,000). Likewise, Penn pocketed a hard-earned $150,000 after suffering a brutal beating at the hands of welterweight up-and-comer Rory MacDonald ($42,000).
Aside from the two veterans, UFC lightweight champion Benson Henderson headed the remaining payroll. Henderson earned $78,000 for his lopsided title defense against TUF 5 winner Nate Diaz ($50,000) in the night’s main event.
UFC on FOX 5 took place December 8, 2012 at the Key Arena in Seattle, WA. The entire UFC on FOX 5 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.
In addition, Yves Edwards, Scott Jorgensen (x2) and John Albert pocketed $65,000 post-fight bonuses for their work.
FOX main card:
Benson Henderson ($39,000 + $39,000 = $78,000) def. Nate Diaz ($50,000)
Alexander Gustafsson ($30,000 + $30,000 = $60,000) def. Mauricio Rua ($175,000)
Rory MacDonald ($21,000 + $21,000 = $42,000) def. B.J. Penn ($150,000)
Matt Brown ($27,000 + $27,000 = $54,000) def. Mike Swick ($48,000)
FX preliminary card:
Yves Edwards ($16,000 + $16,000 = $32,000) def. Jeremy Stephens ($24,000)
Raphael Assuncao ($19,000 + $19,000 = $38,000) def. Mike Easton ($14,000)
Ramsey Nijem ($10,000 + $10,000 = $20,000) def. Joe Proctor ($8,000)
Daron Cruickshank ($8,000 + $8,000 = $16,000) def. Henry Martinez ($8,000)
Abel Trujillo ($6,000 + $6,000 = $12,000) def. Marcus LeVesseur ($8,000)
Dennis Siver ($31,000 + $31,000 = $62,000) def. Nam Phan ($10,000)
Facebook preliminary card:
Scott Jorgensen ($20,500 + $20,500 = $41,000) def. John Albert ($10,000)