UFC 303 Purses and Results, UFC 303, initially projected to be the highest-grossing event of the year, underwent significant changes after Conor McGregor’s withdrawal. Alex Pereira and Jiri Prochazka stepped in as short-notice replacements for the main event, potentially earning larger purses as a result.
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UFC 303 Purses and Results
Event Overview
Originally slated to be the highest-grossing event of the year for the UFC, UFC 303 faced a significant setback when Conor McGregor, known for generating massive pay-per-view numbers, withdrew due to injury just weeks before the event. This led to a reshuffling of the fight card, with Alex Pereira and Jiri Prochazka stepping in as short-notice replacements, potentially earning larger purses for their willingness to save the card.
Main Event Breakdown
Pereira’s Dominant Victory
Alex Pereira solidified his status as the top 205-pound fighter with a brutal knockout victory over Jiri Prochazka in the main event of UFC 303 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. The reigning light heavyweight champion secured a second-round TKO victory, finishing Prochazka just 13 seconds into the round with a devastating kick to the head.
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Pereira’s dominant performance further embellished his impressive record and sparked speculation about a potential move to the heavyweight division later this year. “This is for sure the best purse that we have negotiated this far, due to all the circumstances around it,” Pereira stated .
Pereira’s Toe Troubles
Alex Pereira’s performance at UFC 303 was even more impressive considering he fought with a broken toe. Here are the key details about his injury:
- Pereira broke his toe two weeks before UFC 303 during a sparring session
- He did not disclose the injury to anyone until after successfully defending his light heavyweight title
- Footage shows Pereira attempting to twist the broken toe back into place after the sparring incident
- UFC CEO Dana White praised Pereira’s toughness, quoting him as saying “I ain’t losing this opportunity for a f***ing pinky toe”
- Pereira revealed he actually had two broken toes after UFC 303 – one from training and another sustained during the fight
Pereira’s ability to fight and win with such an injury demonstrates his exceptional pain tolerance and determination as a champion fighter.
Co-Main Event and Other Fights Results
- Diego Lopes def. Dan Ige via unanimous decision (29-28 x3)
- Roman Dolidze def. Anthony Smith via unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28 x2)
- Macy Chiasson def. Mayra Bueno Silva via TKO (doctor’s stoppage) at 1:58 of Round 2
- Ian Machado Garry def. Michael Page via unanimous decision
Preliminary Card Highlights
- Joe Pyfer def. Marc-Andre Barriault via first-round KO (1:25)
- Andre Fili def. Cub Swanson via split decision (29-28 x2, 28-29)
- Jean Silva def. Charles Jourdain via second-round KO (1:20)
- Payton Talbott def. Yanis Ghemmouri via first-round KO (0:19)
Fighter Salaries Breakdown
Main Event
- Alex Pereira: Estimated to earn $3 million, marking the largest purse of his career. This includes his base salary, PPV points, and potential bonuses.
- Jiri Prochazka: Expected to earn around $1 million, including his base salary and additional bonuses for stepping in on short notice. “I wasn’t 100 percent but now I am. I’m ready to take the title,” Prochazka said before the fight .
Other Fighters
- Dan Ige: Likely received Brian Ortega’s original purse of $300,000 base salary plus a $100,000 win bonus, with additional compensation for taking the fight on extremely short notice.
- Diego Lopes: Expected to receive a similar or slightly increased amount compared to his previous earnings of $86,000 at UFC 300.
- Anthony Smith: Expected base salary of $200,000.
- Roman Dolidze: Anticipated payout of around $100,000 to $200,000.
- Ian Garry: Estimated earnings of $85,000.
- Michael ‘Venom’ Page: Expected to take home between $150,000 and $200,000.
UFC 303 Bonus Winners
UFC 303 saw several fighters rewarded for their outstanding performances with bonus payouts. Here’s a breakdown of the Performance Bonus winners:
- Alex Pereira: Earned a $50,000 Performance of the Night bonus for his spectacular second-round TKO victory over Jiri Prochazka in the main event.
- Andre Fili and Cub Swanson: Received Fight of the Night honors and $50,000 each for their thrilling featherweight clash on the preliminary card.
- Macy Chiasson: Awarded $50,000 for Performance of the Night after her TKO win over Mayra Bueno Silva due to a doctor’s stoppage caused by a severe cut.
- Payton Talbott: Earned $50,000 for his 19-second knockout of Yanis Ghemmouri, the second-fastest finish in UFC bantamweight history.
- Joe Pyfer: Received $50,000 for his first-round knockout victory over Marc-Andre Barriault.
In total, six fighters were awarded an extra $50,000 each for their performances at UFC 303, demonstrating the event’s high level of competition and excitement.
Financial Impact of Short-Notice Fights
Short-notice replacements can significantly impact fighter earnings at UFC events like UFC 303. Fighters who step in last-minute often receive financial incentives, including increased base pay and potential bonuses. For instance, Dan Ige likely received Brian Ortega’s original purse of $300,000 plus a $100,000 win bonus for taking the co-main event fight against Diego Lopes on extremely short notice.
Dana White, UFC President, expressed his gratitude, stating, “We are grateful to Alex Pereira for stepping in on such short notice and saving the event” . This willingness to step in not only saves events but can also lead to significant financial rewards and career advancement opportunities.
Conclusion
UFC 303 proved to be a significant event despite the last-minute changes, showcasing the resilience and adaptability of both fighters and the organization. Alex Pereira’s dominant victory over Jiri Prochazka in the main event solidified his status as a formidable champion, while the event’s $15.9 million gate revenue ranked it as the fourth highest in UFC history. The financial implications for fighters were substantial, with short-notice replacements like Dan Ige potentially earning increased purses for their willingness to step in.
Ultimately, UFC 303 reinforced the dynamic nature of mixed martial arts, both in terms of athletic competition and the business aspects of the sport.
See also:
Dricus du Plessis: South Africa’s First UFC Champion and His Impact on African MMA
Resource Links and Key Quotes
- Alex Pereira on his biggest purse: “This is for sure the best purse that we have negotiated this far, due to all the circumstances around it…” (The Sportster).
- Dana White on Pereira stepping in: “We are grateful to Alex Pereira for stepping in on such short notice and saving the event.” (MMA Fighting).
- Jiri Prochazka on his preparation: “I wasn’t 100 percent but now I am. I’m ready to take the title.” (AS USA).
