"Ali needs to negotiate better" - Outrage erupts over Islam Makhachev's "stupid low" $200,000 pay for UFC 311 as Merab Dvalishvili makes 2.5x

At UFC 311, champions Islam Makhachev and Merab Dvalishvili retained their titles in the main and co-main event, respectively. However, Makhachev’s disclosed payout sparked widespread criticism, with fans expressing outrage over the lightweight champion's reported earnings of $200,000—far less than co-main event winner Dvalishvili's $500,000.

According to disclosed figures, even Makhachev’s challenger, Renato Moicano, earned a higher purse at $250,000, further fueling frustration among fans. Comparatively, Dvalishvili's substantial payday and Jiri Prochazka's $250,000 (including a $50,000 win bonus) highlighted the stark disparity in Makhachev’s compensation.

Check out the post on disclosed purses for UFC 311 below:

The backlash gained traction on social media after MMA journalist Jed I. Goodman shared the payout details. Fans were quick to call out Makhachev’s manager, Ali Abdelaziz, for failing to secure a better deal for the reigning lightweight champion and current pound-for-pound king:

“Looks like Ali needs to negotiate better for his fighters. Islam will get ppv points too but it's still nowhere near what he should be getting paid, he the champion and #1 P4P fighter in the world lol. Ali probably making more money than his fighters are. UFC pay him off record”

Another added:

“Am I crazy or are these numbers stupid low? why tf is p4p number one not making a mill?”

Check out some of the fan reactions below:

Fans react to Jed. I Goodman's post on UFC 311 disclosed pays. [Screenshot courtesy; X]