How Much Does Aljamain Sterling Make? UFC Star’s Earnings Revealed

Aljamain Sterling, widely known as the “Funk Master,” is one of the UFC’s top fighters and a former Bantamweight Champion. On average, Sterling earns between $500,000 and $800,000 per fight, with annual earnings exceeding $2 million when factoring in sponsorships, bonuses, and PPV shares. These earnings reflect his elite status and marketability within the sport. This article dives into the specifics of his fight payouts, sponsorship deals, and how he compares to other UFC fighters.

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Aljamain Sterling’s Fight Earnings

Aljamain Sterling’s fight payouts have grown significantly throughout his UFC career. Below is a breakdown of his most notable earnings from recent fights:

UFC 280 vs. T.J. Dillashaw (October 22, 2022)

Sterling earned approximately $670,000, which included a $400,000 base salary, a $100,000 win bonus, a $50,000 “Performance of the Night” bonus, and sponsorship payouts.

UFC 259 vs. Petr Yan (March 6, 2021)

Sterling claimed the Bantamweight title in a controversial victory, earning around $230,000. This payout included a $100,000 base salary, a $100,000 win bonus, and sponsorship earnings.

UFC 288 vs. Henry Cejudo (May 6, 2023)

In his successful title defense against Henry Cejudo, Sterling earned a reported $500,000 base salary, with bonuses and sponsorship payouts bringing the total to over $700,000.

UFC 292 vs. Sean O’Malley (August 19, 2023)

Despite losing via TKO, Sterling was one of the event’s top earners, reportedly pocketing over $800,000, including base pay and a share of PPV revenue.

These payouts demonstrate Sterling’s consistent ability to secure high earnings, particularly in championship bouts and headline events.

Sponsorships and Endorsements

Sterling’s marketability extends beyond his fight purses, with sponsorships playing a significant role in his overall income. He has partnered with several high-profile brands, including:

DraftKings

A leading sports betting platform.

A performance protein snack brand.

BodyArmor

A popular sports drink company.

In addition to these partnerships, Sterling benefits from the UFC’s Venum sponsorship program, which rewards fighters based on their ranking and tenure. As a former champion, Sterling earns approximately $42,000 per fight from Venum alone. These endorsements contribute significantly to his annual income, bolstering his financial stability outside of fight purses.

How Much Does Aljamain Sterling Make Per Fight?

Aljamain Sterling’s per-fight earnings include several components, allowing him to consistently rank among the UFC’s top earners:

Base Salary

Sterling’s contracts guarantee a base salary of $400,000 to $500,000 for high-profile fights, reflecting his status as a former champion and headline fighter.

Win Bonuses

Sterling often doubles his base pay with win bonuses, such as the $100,000 bonus he earned in his victory over Petr Yan at UFC 259.

Performance Bonuses

Exceptional performances can earn fighters an additional $50,000 per fight. Sterling secured a performance bonus at UFC 280 for his dominant showing against T.J. Dillashaw.

PPV Shares

As a title fighter and event headliner, Sterling receives a share of PPV revenue. Top-tier fighters can earn $1 to $3 per PPV buy, and for high-selling events like UFC 280 (over 600,000 buys), Sterling likely earned an additional $600,000 to $1 million.

Sponsorship Payouts

Sterling earns approximately $42,000 per fight from the UFC’s Venum program, along with additional earnings from personal endorsements with DraftKings, BodyArmor, and P3.

These combined factors result in Sterling earning between $500,000 and $800,000 per fight, with championship bouts often pushing his payouts higher.

Comparing Aljamain Sterling to Other UFC Fighters

Sterling’s earnings place him among the UFC’s upper echelon, though he falls short of the astronomical paydays earned by global superstars like Conor McGregor or Israel Adesanya:

Conor McGregor

Consistently earns $20 million or more per fight, driven by massive PPV shares and endorsements.

Israel Adesanya

As a dominant champion, Adesanya earns $3–$5 million per fight, including base pay, PPV shares, and sponsorships.

In contrast, most UFC fighters earn significantly less. Entry-level athletes typically make $12,000 to $24,000 per fight, while mid-tier competitors average $100,000 to $200,000 per fight. Sterling’s earnings far exceed these averages, thanks to his championship status and ability to consistently headline events.

For more details on top earners, check out my article on highest-paid UFC fighters of 2024.

Aljamain Sterling’s Estimated Annual Income

Sterling’s annual income depends on his fight schedule and additional revenue streams. Here’s an estimate based on his recent payouts:

Fight Purses

With two fights per year averaging $500,000 to $800,000 per fight, Sterling earns $1 million to $1.6 million annually from fight purses alone.

Performance Bonuses

Adding $50,000 to $100,000 annually from performance bonuses.

PPV Revenue

Sterling’s share of PPV buys can bring in an additional $500,000 to $1 million annually, depending on event sales.

Sponsorships and Endorsements

With deals from DraftKings, BodyArmor, and Venum, Sterling’s sponsorship earnings exceed $200,000 annually.

Total Annual Income. Combining these elements, Sterling’s total annual income likely exceeds $2 million, placing him in the top tier of UFC earners.

Conclusion

Aljamain Sterling’s financial success reflects his skill, dedication, and ability to market himself as one of the UFC’s premier athletes. Earning between $500,000 and $800,000 per fight and over $2 million annually, Sterling has firmly established himself as one of the sport’s top earners.

As he transitions to new opportunities in the featherweight division, Sterling’s marketability and continued success could further elevate his financial standing. With a blend of athletic achievement and smart business decisions, Sterling’s legacy extends beyond the octagon, positioning him as a role model for aspiring fighters.