Good Year! Alex Poatan earned R$46 million from UFC belt defenses in 2024

Alex Poatán is the UFC light heavyweight champion. (Photo: Instagram/UFCEspanol)

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The traditional 'Good Year' box was very satisfying for Alex Poatán in 2024. Voted the best fighter of the year, the UFC light heavyweight champion (up to 93kg.) defended the belt three times in 2024 against great opponents in the category with success – and with knockouts. The Brazilian brutalized the former champions Jamahal hill e Jiri Prochazka, and finally, Khalil rountree.

And how much did these three title defenses earn the champion? According to a report by the newspaper Throw!, Alex Poatán earned around R$46 million by making his three challengers kiss the canvas in 2024.

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The first defense of the belt Alex Poatán It was in April in front of 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 lasts to this day, with episodes even outside the octagon. Even with the beautiful knockout, Poatan did not win a 'Fight of the Night' or 'Performance of the Night' bonus, but he earned US$ 2,8 million (around R$ 14 million reais at the time).

Two months later, Poatan defended the title against another former champion in the category: Jiri Prochazka. The main fight of the UFC 303 ended 13 seconds into the second round, when the Brazilian knocked down the Czech fighter with a kick, consecrating the second title defense of the year. The champion received a check for US$50 (around R$247) for “Performance of the Night” bonus, plus US$3 million (around R$17 million at the time) in salary.

In October, Poatan returned to the octagon to defend the belt for the third time against Khalil rountree, at UFC 307. The opponent showed great determination and the fight was exciting, with the Brazilian having more work than in the other two previous fights. However, from the third round onwards, the champion punished the American, who suffered a technical knockout in the fourth round. The great performance of both guaranteed 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 directions to Alex Poatán in the UFC for 2025, but nothing has been decided. If he continues in the light heavyweight division, Magomed Ankalayev, currently ranked first, is a potential opponent. There has also been talk of a possible clash against Khamzat Shimaev, one of the sensations of the Ultimate, who is currently in the middleweight category (up to 83,9 kg).

There is still a third scenario: Poatan would move up to the heavyweight category (up to 120,2 kg) to face the current champion and UFC legend, Jon Jones. However, while all of the options are exciting for fans, it's still a big mystery.