PFL purses show foremost eventer got just $10k, ex-UFC title challenger also paid surprisingly little

The official purses for Saturday’s PFL San Diego event have been disclosed.

Quite a lot of notable names were in motion at the most recent PFL event, which took place on the Pechanga Arena.

The cardboard featured some ex-UFC contenders and a few former Bellator champions, with AJ McKee making the walk within the foremost event 4 years after his memorable title win over the legendary Patricio Pitbull.

‘Mercenary’ had his hand raised over Salamat Isbulaev, who didn’t take home much pay as a consolation following the defeat.

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Ex-UFC star and Bellator champion Liz Carmouche was on $50k show/win contract for PFL San Diego

As PFL San Diego was in California, the disclosed payouts for the event’s fighters have been released.

The California State Athletic Commission is considered one of few that releases the purse figures, providing some insight into the present state of fighter pay for the fans and analysts.

Of the fighters who competed on June 27, McKee was on the highest contract, taking home a flat fee of $100k for his foremost event.

Incredibly, his fellow headliner received $90k lower than the American, with Isbulaev getting an official purse of just $10k after his losing effort.

Within the co-main event, former UFC title challenger, Bellator champion, and PFL season winner Liz Carmouche submitted Viviane Araujo with a guillotine choke in round two.

Despite her illustrious profession, the 42-year-old was on a $50k/$50k agreement, meaning she collected $100k after getting the win.

Seven of the 18 fighters earned lower than $15k on the night, while only McKee, Carmouche, and Alexander Shabliy hit the $50k mark.

Those official purses have already sparked a robust response online.

“Carmouche is on a 50 and 50 (contract) despite being champion, having won the tourney previously, and being 13-1 since she left the UFC. Wtf.”

“Holy s— those are low.”

“I’m sorry, what?”

Amid criticism of fighter pay within the UFC, many have long pointed to improved remuneration as considered one of the benefits for athletes crossing over to the PFL.

Whether or not that is still the case in 2026 may now be up within the air.