The UFC returns to the APEX in Las Vegas Nevada for UFC Vegas 87 this week. Following the roaring success of UFC Mexico City, the latest fight night card looks to be a prequel for what’s to come at the highly anticipated UFC 299. Without much further ado, let’s take a look at what’s in store.
For those unaware, there have been a lot of mixed reviews regarding the upcoming event. With the APEX events not being favored by the fans in the first place, there has been further outrage at the headliner for the event. Whilst Jairzinho Rozenstruik is a well-reputed fighter, his opponent Shamil Gaziev is a very unknown quantity. Thus the main argument from fans is that the quality of the APEX events is gradually deteriorating.
With that said, there are still some very good fighters taking the stage on March 2. Aside from the headliner, we have the likes of Tyson Pedro, Muhammad Mokaev, Umar Nurmagomedov, Bernardo Sopaj, Aiemann Zahabi, and many other up-and-coming fighters. Although the mainstream fans may not like it, there are some very watchable fights and fighters in this one.
UFC Vegas 87 full fight card
As such, let’s take a look at the full fight card for the event. For those unaware, there have been numerous changes made in the lead-up to the event. Firstly, Brendon Marotte has been removed from his featherweight bout with Mohammad Yahya, and the fight has since been canceled. Similarly, Josefine Knutsson has been removed from her strawweight bout with Julia Polastri, and the fight has also been canceled.
Busy day in the office 💼
[ #UFCVegas87 | @ESPNPlus | B2YB @ToyoTires ] pic.twitter.com/DZyfnRdLl3
— UFC (@ufc) March 2, 2024
At the same time, Yanis Ghemmouri has been removed from his bantamweight bout with Vinicius Oliveria. Replacing Ghemmouri will be the Swedish-Albanian prospect Bernardo Sopai who will be stepping in on short notice. Although there were mentions of Raul Rosas Jr. vs Ricky Turcios being shifted to this card from last week, the fight will likely be pushed even further. Lastly, AJ Cunningham replaces Joel Alvarez against Ludovit Klein.
How much money will Jairzinho Rozenstruik and Shamil Gaziev make for the event?
As with every upcoming event, many will be wondering as to how much money the fighters will make. Thus, experts estimate payouts based on a fighter’s previous, officially released salaries along with their position on the card. At the same time, performance and winning incentives, which are revealed after the event must also be considered. With that said, let’s check out the estimated salaries for UFC Vegas 87.
According to reports, the two heavyweights headlining the show are set to be the highest-paid athletes on the card. Despite a loss to Jailton Almeida in his previous outing, Jairzinho ‘Bigi Boy’ Rozenstruik reportedly bagged a base salary of $130,000. At the same time, Shamil Gaziev marked his arrival in the UFC with a KO win over Martin Buday, making $94,000 in the process.
As such, Gaziev is expected to earn around the $100,000 mark if he wins, whilst Rozenstruik could make up to $200,000 should he win. At the same time, we also have fighters like Tyson Pedro who will likely earn a base salary of $85,000. Previously, Muhammad Mokaev publicly disclosed his base pay of $38,000 whilst calling out Brandon Royval. Thus, if he wins, he will likely earn close to the $85,000 mark.
Similarly, Umar Nurmagomedov is expected to earn a base salary of $30,000 and a win bonus of another $30,000. In the past, Umar has reportedly earned $114,000 in two of his fights owing to performance bonuses. As such, he and many other fighters will be gunning for the same when they fight at UFC Vegas 87.