Rousey, a small favorite heading into the fight, is slated for a flat payday of $3 million. Opponent Nunes, meanwhile, is slated for a $100,000 purse. Unlike Rousey, who isn’t eligible for a win bonus, Nunes can earn an extra $100,000 if victorious.
That’s right, just $100,000 for Nunes. This happens in MMA and Boxing more often than you might think, because unlike some other non-team sports — golf, for example — prize money isn’t awarded based on how you finish. It’s doled-out in a way that makes the fight most likely to happen at all. And, when it involves a headliner like Rousey, they can pretty much set the terms however they like.
Anyway, just in case you were wondering: Rousey lasted 48 seconds and made $3 million in the process. Do the math, and you’ll find she pocketed a cool $62,500 per second in the octagon.