UFC 203 results: CM Punk earns more than 10 times his opponent despite loss

CM Punk only lasted 134 seconds, but he still got a handsome paycheck for his efforts against Mickey Gall

By Robby Kalland

Sep 12, 2016 at 8:44 pm ET • 1 min read

CM Punk's UFC debut went how most expected as the former WWE superstar was routed by Mickey Gall, losing via rear-naked choke in the first round. Punk took the loss in stride and insisted he had the time of his life, and his paycheck from UFC 203 might help explain why he didn't mind the loss.

The Ohio State Athletic Commission released payout numbers from UFC 203 on Monday and Punk raked in $500,000 for his efforts -- the third most of anyone on the card. Gall earned $30,000 -- $15,000 in base and $15,000 in win bonus.

Alistair Overeem, who was knocked out in the first round by Stipe Miocic of the main event, earned $850,000 for his troubles -- $800,000 in base, $50,000 for Fight of the Night -- to top the payout chart. Miocic made $650,000 by retaining his title with that knockout.

No one should be surprised that Punk was paid almost as much as the main event fighters. He was the biggest name on the card and a big reason it had as many viewers as it did, but it still didn't sit particularly well with some fighters, who saw it as a sideshow and felt the half million paid to Punk was ridiculous.

Nothing against CM Punk make half million for his mma debut.But I think champs should been make that too,people who dedicated a entire life.
— Rafael dos Anjos (@RdosAnjosMMA) September 12, 2016