Jon Jones’ return at UFC 285 is the first of his new eight-fight deal, and it comes with a hefty $1 million payout. Even after a two-year absence, Jones remains one of the UFC’s best paid fighters.
In a report obtained by The Sports Daily, Jones is set to make $1.032 million when combining his salary and incentives. That is almost twice as much as opponent Ciryl Gane ($532,000) and more than the next eight highest earners combined ($1.014 million).
The former light heavyweight champion was already one of the highest paid fighters in the promotion behind Brock Lesnar and Conor McGregor.
Despite the UFC’s knack for sticking it to their fighters when it comes to pay, Jones showed that he is as resourceful at the negotiating table as he is in the octagon. Ahead of his new contract, Jones brought on a new manager in former Golden Boy Boxing CEO Richard Schaefer.
Schaefer is best known for running the boxing outfit during its peak. He has no doubt lived up to his reputation as a top negotiator, securing Jones a huge payday after a long absence from active competition.
Shevchenko, Gane see big pay days
Valentina Shevchenko is making the seventh defense of her flyweight title. She will also score a big payday all the same. The “Bullet” is making a reported $442,000. Potential bonuses could make her fight with Alexa Grasso the biggest payday of her career.
Gane’s previously disclosed total is also a career-high.
Below is a list of the top-ten earners on the card, with the full list available on The Sports Daily:
- Jon Jones – $1,032,000
- Ciryl Gane – $532,000
- Valentina Shevchenko – $442,000
- Cody Garbrandt – $161,000
- Alexa Grasso – $132,000
- Derek Brunson – $116,000
- Mateusz Gamrot – $96,000
- Geoff Neal – $78,000
- Amanda Ribas – $66,000
- Viviane Araujo – $55,000
