UFC 313 was one of the most highly anticipated events in mixed martial arts history, featuring a stacked card with electrifying matchups. Among the night’s biggest talking points was the championship bout between Alex Pereira and Magomed Ankalaev, which ended with Ankalaev securing a decisive victory. However, while Pereira walked away as the official “loser” of the fight, the post-fight bonus allocations and financial structure of the event suggest that he may have been the true winner in a broader sense. The UFC’s controversial performance bonuses and the economic landscape of the sport highlight how losing a fight does not necessarily mean losing the biggest prize.

Alex Pereira’s Rise and UFC 313 Defeat

Few fighters have made as significant an impact in such a short period as Alex Pereira. After transitioning from kickboxing to mixed martial arts, Pereira quickly became one of the most feared strikers in the UFC. His ability to deliver highlight-reel knockouts and his rivalry with Israel Adesanya cemented his status as a must-watch fighter.

Heading into UFC 313, Pereira was the defending light heavyweight champion, looking to solidify his reign against Magomed Ankalaev, a relentless and technically gifted contender. The fight was expected to be a classic striker-versus-wrestler showdown, with Pereira’s striking prowess pitted against Ankalaev’s well-rounded game.

However, the fight did not go in Pereira’s favor. Ankalaev implemented a suffocating game plan, neutralizing Pereira’s striking with relentless pressure and grappling exchanges. By the end of five rounds, the judges awarded Ankalaev a unanimous decision victory, crowning him the new light heavyweight champion.

The UFC 313 Bonus Disparity: Who Really Won?

One of the biggest post-fight controversies surrounding UFC 313 was the distribution of the event’s performance bonuses. The UFC typically awards bonuses for “Fight of the Night” and “Performance of the Night,” giving an additional $50,000 to deserving fighters.

At UFC 313, the bonuses were allocated as follows:

• Fight of the Night: Justin Gaethje vs. Rafael Fiziev – Both fighters earned an additional $50,000.

• Performance of the Night: Ignacio Bahamondes and Maurício Ruffy each received a $50,000 bonus for their standout victories.

Surprisingly, despite being in the main event and defending his championship, Pereira did not receive any additional financial incentives from these performance-based bonuses. This raises an interesting question: If Pereira lost his title and did not receive a bonus, how could he still be considered the real winner?

Understanding UFC Fighter Pay: The Real Money in PPV Shares

To understand why Pereira might still be the biggest winner of UFC 313, we must look beyond fight night bonuses and examine how UFC main event fighters make their money. Unlike most fighters on the card who rely heavily on show and win bonuses, headlining fighters, especially champions, receive pay-per-view (PPV) points.

As a headlining champion, Pereira was likely entitled to a percentage of the UFC 313 PPV revenue. With UFC events often generating millions of dollars in PPV buys, a popular fighter like Pereira could have made far more than the fighters who received the $50,000 bonuses. Reports indicate that main event fighters in high-profile bouts can earn anywhere from $500,000 to several million dollars from PPV shares alone.

Pereira’s Marketability and Future Opportunities

Despite the loss, Pereira’s stock remains high. Here’s why:

1. Fan Appeal – Pereira has cultivated a massive fan base due to his knockout power and aggressive style. Unlike some champions who fade from public interest after a loss, Pereira’s exciting fighting approach ensures he remains a draw for future fights.

2. Potential Rematch or High-Profile Fights – Even with this loss, Pereira is still a major player in the light heavyweight division. A rematch with Ankalaev or a move back to middleweight to challenge Adesanya again could be lucrative options.

3. Sponsorship and Endorsements – A fighter of Pereira’s caliber attracts endorsement deals, further padding his earnings outside of UFC fight purses.

Bonus Disparity: A Flawed System?

The bonus structure in the UFC has long been a point of contention. Fighters who deliver exciting performances are often rewarded, but the distribution is not always based on merit alone.

At UFC 313, Pereira’s main event status and PPV cut far outweighed the $50,000 bonuses that were awarded. However, this does not excuse the issues with UFC’s bonus system, where a fighter in a non-title fight could theoretically take home more in bonuses than a defending champion in a five-round war.

Critics argue that the UFC’s financial model favors promotion over pure athletic performance. Fighters who receive bonuses are often the ones who produce fan-friendly moments rather than those who put on technically sound performances. This raises the question: Should there be a more structured and transparent fighter compensation system?

What’s Next for Pereira?

While he may have lost his belt, Pereira’s future in the UFC is far from bleak. Several paths could make him an even bigger star:

• Immediate Rematch with Ankalaev – Given that he was the reigning champion, the UFC might offer him an immediate rematch.

• Move to Heavyweight – With his size and striking power, Pereira could consider testing himself in the heavyweight division, where the PPV money is even bigger.

• Superfight with Israel Adesanya – A trilogy bout with Adesanya, whether at middleweight or light heavyweight, would be a massive PPV attraction.

Regardless of which path he chooses, Pereira remains a major figure in the sport. His name value, marketability, and ability to generate revenue ensure that he remains a high-earning fighter despite this setback.

Conclusion: Who Really Won at UFC 313?

On paper, Magomed Ankalaev won UFC 313 by dethroning Alex Pereira. However, when analyzing the financial and business aspects of the sport, Pereira might be the real winner. His guaranteed purse, potential PPV points, and future earning potential far exceed the $50,000 performance bonuses handed out at the event.

This raises broader questions about fighter compensation and the UFC’s bonus structure. While knockout performances and back-and-forth wars deserve recognition, should champions and main-event fighters be guaranteed larger financial incentives beyond just PPV shares?

In the end, MMA is both a sport and a business. While Pereira may have lost his belt, his financial stability and future opportunities remain strong, making him a winner in ways that go beyond the immediate results of a single fight.