In the film Scarface the lead character–Tony Montana– says, “First you get money, then you get the power.” That might be true in many cases, but seems backwards in the sport of MMA. The year 2016 has seen a rise in record-setting payouts, so fighters must ask themselves an important question as their careers progress–title versus payday.
Conor McGregor brought home a record $3 million with his five round victory over Nate Diaz at UFC 202. Nate reportedly banked $2.5 million, while Anthony “Rumble” Johnson brought home $270,000, and Donald “Cowboy” Cerrone took home his biggest check to date at $170,000.