UFC 321 payouts: How much are Tom Aspinall, Ciryl Gane & others getting paid? Reported & estimated salaries

(Courtesy : UFC)
UFC 321 is going to be a banger card!
The UFC returns to Abu Dhabi with a blockbuster card as UFC 321: Aspinall vs Gane takes over the Etihad Arena on October 25, 2025. Headlining the event, Tom Aspinall puts his heavyweight championship on the line against Ciryl Gane in a clash that could redefine the division.
Both men are determined to cement their legacies, Aspinall looking to solidify his reign, and Gane aiming to finally capture the gold that has twice slipped through his fingers.
Beyond the heavyweight showdown, the event features a star-studded undercard, including Virna Jandiroba vs Mackenzie Dern for the soon-to-be vacant strawweight title, alongside key bouts featuring Umar Nurmagomedov, Mario Bautista, Alexander Volkov, and Jailton Almeida.
With multiple divisions represented and potential title implications throughout the card, UFC 321 promises non-stop action from start to finish.
However, as fans gear up for the fireworks inside the Octagon, there’s another major storyline outside of it: the fighter payouts. From championship-level purses to performance bonuses, every fighter will be aiming not only for victory but also for a lucrative payday. Here’s a breakdown of how much each competitor is expected to earn from this highly anticipated event in Abu Dhabi.
Also Read: UFC 321 Aspinall vs Gane: Preview, fight card, start time, where to watch & more
Tom Aspinall and Ciryl Gane estimated payouts
At UFC 321, heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall is expected to take home one of the biggest paydays of his career. Following his dominant knockout win over Curtis Blaydes at UFC 304, where he earned a reported $1.9 million plus a $100,000 performance bonus, Aspinall’s value has skyrocketed.
Now competing as the undisputed heavyweight champion after Jon Jones’ retirement, the Briton is projected to earn between $2 million and $2.5 million for his title defense against Ciryl Gane.
This figure includes his base purse, potential Pay-Per-View (PPV) share, and performance-related bonuses. With his explosive fighting style and surging popularity, Aspinall’s growing marketability makes him one of the top earners on the UFC roster.
Meanwhile, Ciryl Gane is also set for a lucrative night in Abu Dhabi. The French contender, who is riding a two-fight winning streak, reportedly made $360,000 for his last bout against Alexander Volkov and previously earned $750,000 for his title clash with Jon Jones.
For UFC 321, Gane’s payout is estimated to be between $800,000 and $1 million, with potential increases if he claims victory. Between the champion and challenger, the main event represents both high athletic stakes and multi-million-dollar rewards befitting two of the heavyweight division’s elite.
UFC 321 other main card payouts
The UFC 321 main card is loaded with talent beyond the heavyweight title clash, and several high-profile fighters are expected to secure significant paydays in Abu Dhabi.
In the co-main event, Virna Jandiroba and Mackenzie Dern will battle for the vacant strawweight title. Jandiroba, coming off a five-fight win streak and a dominant performance over Yan Xiaonan at UFC 314, reportedly earned around $150,000 in her last outing. With championship gold on the line, her UFC 321 payout could rise to approximately $500,000, including potential bonuses and pay-per-view incentives.
Meanwhile, Mackenzie Dern, a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu world champion who recently submitted Amanda Ribas at UFC Vegas 101, took home about $300,000 (including a $50,000 bonus). A title win could see Dern’s total earnings climb to around $600,000.
In a featured bantamweight clash, Umar Nurmagomedov and Mario Bautista are also expected to receive solid compensation. Nurmagomedov earned roughly $100,000 for his last fight, while Bautista’s victory over Patchy Mix netted him about $260,000.
The heavyweight contest between Alexander Volkov and Jailton Almeida carries similar stakes, with Volkov earning around $311,000 in his previous outing and Almeida taking home approximately $110,000.
Finally, light heavyweight contenders Aleksandar Rakic and Azamat Murzakanov are expected to earn in the $150,000–$200,000 range each, depending on performance and bonuses.
Overall, UFC 321’s main card showcases not just elite competition but also substantial financial rewards for the fighters stepping into the spotlight in Abu Dhabi.
Other main card fighters’ payouts
| Fighter | Base Purse | Win Bonus | Promotional/PPV Bonus | Performance Bonus | Estimated Total Earnings |
| Tom Aspinall | $1,500,000 | – | $500,000–$1,000,000 (PPV share) | – | $2,000,000–$2,500,000 |
| Ciryl Gane | $800,000 | $200,000 | – | – | $800,000–$1,000,000 |
| Virna Jandiroba | $150,000 | $150,000 | $150,000 (title fight incentives) | – | $450,000–$500,000 |
| Mackenzie Dern | $300,000 | $200,000 | $50,000 (title fight incentives) | – | $550,000–$600,000 |
| Umar Nurmagomedov | $100,000 | $50,000 | – | – | $150,000 |
| Mario Bautista | $260,000 | $100,000 | – | – | $350,000–$360,000 |
| Alexander Volkov | $311,000 | $100,000 | – | – | $450,000–$460,000 |
| Jailton Almeida | $110,000 | $50,000 | – | – | $150,000–$160,000 |
| Aleksandar Rakic | $150,000 | $50,000 | – | – | $200,000 |
| Azamat Murzakanov | $150,000 | $50,000 | – | – | $200,000 |
NOTE
- All payouts are estimates based on payouts reported for previous fights on similar stage/PPV cards.
- Performance bonuses are typically $50,000 per award; fighters may not receive these unless selected by UFC post-event. The bonuses will be updated once the event concludes.
- Promotional/PPV bonuses vary based on card position, champion/main event status, and card performance; most main-event fighters on major cards have significant upside potential if the event is a major seller.
When and where is UFC 321 taking place?
UFC 321 will be held on Saturday, October 25, 2025, at the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. The event marks the promotion’s second trip to Abu Dhabi this year.
What is the main event for UFC 321?
The main event features Tom Aspinall defending his undisputed UFC heavyweight championship against former interim titleholder Ciryl Gane. The co-main event will see Virna Jandiroba take on Mackenzie Dern for the vacant strawweight title.
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