The traditional 'Happy New Year's' bonus was quite satisfactory for Alex Poatan in 2024. Elected the best fighter of the year, the UFC light heavyweight champion (up to 93kg) successfully defended his title three times in 2024 against top contenders in the division – all with knockouts. The Brazilian brutally defeated former champions Jamahal Hill and Jiri Prochazka , and lastly, Khalil Rountree.
And how much did those three title defenses earn the champion? According to a report by the newspaper Lance!, Alex Poatan earned around R$ 46 million by making his three challengers kiss the canvas in 2024.
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Alex Poatan 's first title defense was in April against Jamahal Hill at UFC 300. Still in the first round, the Brazilian landed a hook that knocked down the American. The rivalry between the two is intense and continues to this day, with incidents even outside the octagon. Despite the beautiful knockout, Poatan didn't win the 'Fight of the Night' or 'Performance of the Night' bonuses, but he did earn US$2,8 million (approximately R$14 million at the time).
Two months later, Poatan defended his title against another former champion in the category: Jiri Prochazka . The main event of UFC 303 ended 13 seconds into the second round, when the Brazilian knocked down the Czech fighter with a kick , securing his second title defense of the year. The champion received a check for US$50 (approximately R$247) as a "Performance of the Night" bonus, plus US$3 million (approximately R$17 million at the time) in salary.
In October, Poatan returned to the octagon to defend his title for the third time against Khalil Rountree at UFC 307. His opponent showed immense grit, and the fight was thrilling, with the Brazilian having more trouble than in his previous two bouts. However, from the third round onward, the champion punished the American, who suffered a technical knockout in the fourth round. The great performance of both fighters earned them the "Fight of the Night" bonus. Both Poatan and Khalil Rountree Jr. received US$50 (approximately R$272). The Brazilian's salary was US$2,74 million (approximately R$14,5 million).
Adding up the three defenses, Poatan earned around R$46 million in 2024, excluding locker room bonuses and sponsorships. A year that will go down in history for the fighter.
What about New Year?
There are many possible paths for Alex Poatan in the UFC in 2025, but nothing is set in stone. If he remains in the light heavyweight division, Magomed Ankalaev , currently ranked number one, is a potential opponent. There has also been talk of a possible fight against Khamzat Chimaev , one of the sensations of the Ultimate Fighting Championship, who is currently in the middleweight division (up to 83,9 kg).
There is also a third scenario: Poatan could move up to the heavyweight category (up to 120,2kg) to face the current champion and UFC legend, Jon Jones . However, despite all the options being exciting for fans, everything is still a big mystery.
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