Alex Pereira and Ciryl Gane are expected to earn major sums in the UFC Freedom 250 co-main event at the White House, with a wide range for Pereira that could reach $10 million and Gane projected around $1 million—before any post-fight bonuses and other deal-sp
When Alex Pereira and Ciryl Gane step into the UFC Freedom 250 co-main event at the White House. the matchup is already carrying more weight than a typical fight night. Not just because Pereira is moving up to heavyweight with a rare, historic ambition. But because the money attached to this kind of spotlight can be enormous—especially when the event’s stakes and visibility are built into the deal.
The interim heavyweight title fight payouts have not been made public. UFC contracts are private. and the final take-home figures can be shaped by many moving parts: base pay. win bonuses. clauses tied to title fights. sponsor income. discretionary bonuses. and event guarantees. Even so. a reasonable estimate points to Pereira landing between $8 million and $10 million. while Gane is likely to make around $1 million.
That would put the combined payout for the co-main event at roughly $11 million, before any post-fight bonuses. No official interim-heavyweight numbers have been released, so the ranges hinge on how fighters’ contract structures typically work—and how this specific night is rumored to be priced.
Pereira enters the bout as one of UFC’s top active stars. A former middleweight and light heavyweight champion. he’s moving up to heavyweight with a target that is bigger than another belt. He is aiming to be the first fighter in UFC history to hold titles in three divisions. That pursuit changes the math for how fans and promoters view him. and it is one reason his earnings estimate has drawn extra attention for this event.
MMA Mania reported that UFC commentator Daniel Cormier said Pereira might earn $10 million for the event. UFC has not confirmed that figure, but the number has been repeatedly referenced because it fits the special nature of the White House card.
It also reflects how far Pereira’s earning power may have grown since earlier estimates. TheSportster previously estimated Pereira’s total earnings at UFC 300 to be $2.85 million, based on base pay and expected pay-per-view revenue. Since then. his profile has continued to rise. and his heavyweight debut arrives after signing a lucrative eight-fight deal with the UFC.
The event itself is reportedly backed by a $60 million budget, including the significant costs of hosting at the White House. That scale is part of why a higher-than-usual purse is considered plausible. A range of $8 million to $10 million for Pereira is viewed as reasonable if his contract includes a special event guarantee.
Gane, meanwhile, is expected to earn less than Pereira, but still stand to make one of the biggest paydays of his UFC career. He comes in as a former interim heavyweight champion and a credible title contender, bringing heavyweight experience and a record shaped by championship-level opponents.
Gane’s publicly disclosed purse for UFC 270 was $500. 000. according to salary figures from the California State Athletic Commission and reported by MMA Fighting. That $500,000 figure did not account for sponsorship income, pay-per-view earnings, or discretionary bonuses. Since UFC 270. Gane has remained among the division’s top contenders. and his path to this fight—coming in a title match. in the co-main event. on a card with major visibility—should increase his earning potential.
A realistic estimate for Gane’s earnings for the White House fight places him between $1 million and $1.5 million. The lower end reflects his position as the less marketable name in this particular matchup. despite having participated in major heavyweight title fights against Jon Jones and Francis Ngannou.
Both fighters may also receive additional income through UFC’s enhanced post-fight bonus program for this event.
For now. the picture is clear enough for fans to feel the headline stakes—even if the final contract numbers remain locked away. Pereira is expected to take home the larger purse. in line with his star power and the rare historical claim driving this heavyweight move. Gane. though projected to earn less. is still positioned for a career-high payout tied to one of his biggest heavyweight chances—on one of the most prominent stages UFC has ever used.
UFC Freedom 250 White House UFC Alex Pereira Ciryl Gane UFC interim heavyweight title purse estimates Daniel Cormier UFC earnings post-fight bonuses
10 million?? For hitting people in a cage. Wild.
Wait so Pereira gets like 8-10 mil and Gane only a million? That feels backwards unless Gane is just there for the promotion or something. Also when they say ‘before bonuses’ are they talking like every bonus is guaranteed? I don’t get how UFC contracts work.
White House UFC money sounds like taxpayer funded vibes even if it’s not. Like if it’s at the White House doesn’t that mean the government is paying? I saw a headline that said Freedom 250 and thought it was like an official event. But then it’s ‘private contracts’ so who knows.
Honestly the 3-division thing is why they’re throwing numbers at Pereira, right? First guy ever in UFC to do it, so they’re acting like he’s basically already a legend. But if the interim payouts aren’t even public then how are people saying ‘reasonable estimate’ like it’s fact. Feels like ESPN math lol. I bet Pereira still won’t get anywhere close to 10 mil unless he’s got some crazy sponsor clauses.