UFC Shanghai payouts: How much Johnny Walker, Zhang Mingyang & others are getting paid? Reported & estimated salaries
(Courtesy : UFC)
UFC Shanghai will be headlined by an intriguing light heavyweight clash!
The MMA leader delivered an exciting UFC 319 card last week from the United Center in Chicago, which featured a high-stakes middleweight title fight between champion Dricus du Plessis and challenger Khamzat Chimaev. They have now arrived in Shanghai, China, to deliver a Fight Night card this week.
The long-awaited return to Shanghai, to deliver Fight Night 257, will deliver a card packed with international talent and high-stakes clashes.
Nearly eight years since the Octagon last touched down in Shanghai, and the UFC is coming back in a big way, headlined by a light heavyweight showdown that could reshape the division’s landscape.
Reported and estimated fighter payouts
Johnny Walker
Walker, the charismatic Brazilian sitting inside the top 15, is renowned for his explosive knockout power and unpredictable style, which makes him a must-watch every time he steps into the Octagon. Coming off a string of tough losses, this fight is a crucial chance for him to prove himself.
Walker’s estimated base salary is around $150,000–$161,000 (previous purses) with sponsorships; likely payout this Saturday might be around $300,000. A flashy knockout would also earn him an additional $50,000 performance bonus.
Zhang Mingyang
On the other side stands Zhang is looking to add his fourth UFC win and continue his streak. With his first-round knockout win over Anthony Smith in his last outing, Zhang was honored with a performance bonus of $50K.
According to MMA Knockout, he was also awarded $4K in compliance payouts for the bout. The potential payout for this Saturday might be around $100,000–$150,000 plus bonuses.
Brian Ortega and Aljamain Sterling
Brian Ortega, being one of the most popular names on the card, earned $300K for his last outing and is expected to make the same this Saturday against Sterling.
On the other hand, Sterling is also expected to receive a comparable base purse, with the possibility of additional earnings from various sponsorships. He is also expecting a pay bump since accepting the catchweight bout.
Also Read: UFC Fight Night 257 Walker vs Mingyang Preview, fight card, start time, where to watch & more
UFC Shanghai main card payouts
| Fighter | Base Purse | Win Bonus | Promotional/PPV Bonus | Performance Bonus | Estimated Total Earnings |
| Johnny Walker | $300,000 | — | — | — | $300,000 |
| Zhang Mingyang | $100,000–$150,000 | — | — | — | $100,000–$150,000 |
| Brian Ortega | $300,000 | — | — | — | $300,000 |
| Aljamain Sterling | $300,000–$350,000 | — | — | — | $300,000–$350,000 |
| Sergei Pavlovich | $200,000–$250,000 | — | — | — | $200,000–$250,000 |
| Waldo Cortes-Acosta | $100,000–$130,000 | — | — | — | $100,000–$130,000 |
These figures do not include discretionary bonuses or sponsorship earnings. Overall, UFC 319 showcases not only the sport’s premier athletic talents but also the significant financial rewards they earn for competing on one of MMA’s biggest stages.
As the event approaches, fans anticipate thrilling matchups coupled with lucrative payouts reflective of the fighters’ status and performance level. The UFC continues to grow its fighter compensation structure with evolving media deals and bonus incentives. The article will be updated after the event to include win and performance bonuses.
Who will headline the UFC Shanghai Fight Night card?
The long-awaited return to Shanghai, to deliver Fight Night 257, will deliver a card packed with international talent and high-stakes clashes. The light heavyweight clash between Johnny Walker and Zhang Mingyang will headline the show.
How are UFC fighter payouts calculated?
Payouts are a combination of guaranteed base pay, win bonuses, pay-per-view shares, sponsorship money, and potential performance bonuses. Estimates in this article reflect fighters’ past reported earnings and typical UFC payment structures.
Why do some fighters earn significantly more than others?
Earnings depend on factors including fighter status (champion vs. newcomer), drawing power, past fight success, contract specifics, and involvement in pay-per-view revenue sharing.
Are UFC-reported payouts the total income for fighters?
No, reported salaries often exclude undisclosed bonuses, sponsorship deals, and other revenue sources, which can significantly increase total fighter income.
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Abhijit Singh is a budding sports journalist with over three years of experience in the field, and a photographer capturing stories through his lens since 2018. With a background in philosophy and political science, he brings a thoughtful, analytical edge to his reporting where every word is guided by curiosity and intent. Whether he's capturing the emotion of a moment or unpacking the deeper narratives within the game, Abhijit’s work is rooted in insight and passion. When he’s not covering sports, he’s often exploring new ideas through reading, traveling or just procrastinating.
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