UFC 328 has set a new benchmark for fighter compensation in 2026, with total Promotional Guidelines Compliance payouts reaching an impressive $371,000. The event, held at Newark's Prudential Center and streamed exclusively on Paramount+, saw fighters rewarded for their commitment both inside and outside the Octagon.

Leading the payout chart were Khamzat Chimaev and Joshua Van, though it was Chimaev who topped the individual earnings with $42,000. This program, which replaced the previous UFC Athlete Outfitting Policy, covers everything from gear requirements to media duties under the fighter code of conduct.

The payout structure is straightforward and experience-based. Fighters earn between $4,000 and $21,000 per appearance depending on their number of UFC bouts, with champions taking home $42,000 and title challengers receiving $32,000. Beyond the base pay, athletes also receive ongoing royalty payments of 20-30% on any UFC merchandise featuring their likeness.

Here's how the main card payouts broke down: Sean Strickland earned $32,000 in his win over Chimaev's $42,000, Alexander Volkov took $16,000 for defeating Waldo Cortes-Acosta's $11,000, and Baisangur Susurkaev and Djorden Santos each pocketed $4,000.

For context, this $371,000 total far surpasses recent events like UFC Fight Night 275's $188,500 and UFC Fight Night 274's $239,500, underscoring UFC 328's status as a landmark event for fighter compensation in 2026.