UFC 303 found its savior in Alex ‘Poatan’ Pereira. The Brazilian subbed in for the headliner, June 29 main event at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. After UFC 295, he saves yet another PPV headliner, with Conor McGregor vs. Michael Chandler under the scrub. Poatan tends to pitch in whenever he has earned high praise from pundits and peers. Now, it begs the question of his compensation and payouts in the matter.
T-Mobile Arena is a venue for some thriller home shows, including the recent historic UFC 300 PPV Event. Pereira faced prodigal divisional ex-champ Jamahal Hill and blew him out with a first-round knockout in the April main event. Now, he stars in yet another main event that has capped off a $20 million gate in pre-sales already. Here’s what Gibert Burns says of his expected purse:
And the 300… bro, the guy [Pereira] made that PPV on 300. At least 5 [million] !… And he got good managers, because his manager is Jorge Guimarães…and this guy used to manage Anderson Silva and all these guys…[he] has a very good relationship with the UFC. Think he made more than $5 million on UFC 300…Think he’s gong to make at least another five at UFC 303.
Gilbert Burns on “Show Me The Money” Podcast (@showmethepod)
Talking with co-hosts Renato ‘Money’ Moicano, Matty Betss (@mattybetss), and guest Carlos Prates, they touched on the possibility of Pereira making in excess of $5 million in payouts. Pereira had the biggest disclosed payout from the UFC 300 card, banking $2.8 million. With the brand value that the GLORY and UFC double champ commands these days, June 29 might be the same.
Concurrently, his “stone hand” knockdowns do breeze along the lines of Fight Night/Performance Bonuses as well. On a 7-1 streak since joining in 2021, this June would mark his fifth title fight. As compared to his four non-title scraps. That is a feat in itself. Alex Pereira has a lot of factors going on in his favor; a $5 million payout would not seem absurdly off the mark.
UFC 303: Can Alex Pereira bank $5 million — A Brief Breakdown
Alex Pereira is rightfully deserving of the stock and superstardom he has been gaining so far. He has been the perfect specimen of “tires to tiring riches” in the promotion. Despite that, his prowess and deep reverence for his origins have shown an godly aura.
Originally from the Brazilian Favela, the Connecticut local is now a prime value fighter in house shows at the T-Mobile and Madison Square Garden Arena. His draw-in prowess has multi-fold expanded non-domestic viewerships at ESPN platforms (ESPN+, Hulu SVOD, ESPN & ESPN Deportes). UFC 303, although a supposed home show return for Conor McGregor, could prove the same for Pereira (10-2 MMA, 7-1 UFC).
The fighter from São Bernardo Do Campo, Brazil, has won Performance Of The Night Bonuses at UFC 268, 276, 281 and 295. The 36-year-old has won 10 of his last 11 and three in a row. Per sports.betgm.com, he made $2,850,000 in his last estimated payout (with brand sponsorships and add-ons). He has dominantly defeated five past champions. As such, he is the perfect guy to hedge around a $5 million payout.
Brand Value Recognition
He has had great brand value recognition so far. More so, with how much traction Pereira has brought to the June PPV Event despite multiple changes. As the “Official Tequila Partner of UFC (since 2021),” Cuervo is reactivating the brand partnership for UFC 303: PEREIRA vs. PROCHAZKA 2. Right after UFC 304: Edwards vs Muhammad 2, Live from Co-Op Live is arranging a special program with Tom Aspinall.
Other than Conor McGregor, Stancé (BDI) booths at UFC X could see some ‘Poatan’ figurines for UFC 303 (Source: Instagram/X/agfight.com)Meanwhile, www.Cuervo.com/CuervoChallenge could come up with new brand value pitches for Pereira. Designer art toy company Stancé made the lineup of “Conor McGregor” collectibles for UFC 303. In agreement with UFC’s licensing agency, IMG, ‘Poatan’ might also see Limited-Edition collectibles and sponsorship, especially on a win.
Under the UFC Promotional Guidelines Compliance program, he receives perpetuity royalty payments. Lining up with Venum’s multi-year sponsorship, he gets brand value payment for merch sold in his likeness. This also includes merch program payment from EA SPORTS™ UFC® 5. All in all, it’s only one way up for Alex Pereira.
