Paid $200K for Fighting Conor McGregor, UFC Hall of Famer Ends Michael Chandler’s Expectations of a ‘Red Panty Night’

No one would suffer more if Conor McGregor doesn’t return to the Octagon than Michael Chandler. ‘Iron’ has been waiting since November 2022 for the lucrative ‘Red Panty Night.’ However, his dream seems unlikely to come true, as Donald Cerrone, who previously fought and was defeated by McGregor at UFC 246 in 2020, revealed shocking facts about the dark side of the UFC’s pay structure back in February. This issue has resurfaced, brought to light again by an MMA-oriented page.

Recently, an infographic posted by @MMAuncensored1 on X shared a segment of Donald Cerrone’s interview from Rodeo Time last February revealing that Cerrone only received $200,000 for the fight. This revelation debunked the myth that fighting Conor McGregor, known for drawing big PPV numbers, is always profitable for his opponent. Cerrone claimed, “So everyone was like, ‘Red panty night, you got paid.’ No, I didn’t. I got paid what I always got paid, which is good. I ain’t complaining.” He further clarified he doesn’t blame Dana White, saying, “I’m not making s*** up saying, ‘Dana, he owes me money.’ I made great money. In my career. I’m good.'”

However, Donald Cerrone isn’t wrong after all because it’s Conor McGregor who draws the most views and audience, as evident in his fight against the likes of Khabib Nurmagomedov at UFC 229, which brought in 2.4 million PPV buys. He attracted similar numbers for his fights against Nate Diaz, and UFC title fights. These outings showcased McGregor’s ability to captivate audiences and solidified his popularity, eventually leading to a boxing match against Floyd Mayweather. Although McGregor was defeated, the fight brought him financial success and further fame. Considering this, we can understand Cerrone’s perspective.

Chandler may not be lowballed as much, however. The Missouri native’s last disclosed payday was $760,000 for UFC 281. This included a Fight of the Night bonus as well. So it’s safe to assume that ‘Iron’ earns around half a million per fight easily. If his management team can earn him a better deal, including a cut of the PPV, then he could earn six figures easily from a McGregor fight.

Dustin Poirier reportedly made $860,000 at UFC 257, and upwards of a million dollars at UFC 264. That puts him at nearly $2M from his two fights against McGregor in 2021.

Even though Donald Cerrone debunked the myth of McGregor’s ‘Red Panty Night,’ opponents are not ready to admit it. For instance, Dan Hooker recently claimed that a fight against Conor McGregor made more sense than facing Micahel Chandler, who has been out of action since his last fight against Dustin Poirier in November 2022.

Dan Hooker sets his sight on Conor McGregor

Last week, New Zealand sensation Dan Hooker marked his return to the Octagon at UFC 305 in Australia after a year-long hiatus. This was all possible thanks to his close friend Israel Adesanya, who convinced Dana White to include Hooker on the UFC 305 fight card. ‘The Hangman’ capitalized on this opportunity with a standout performance against Mateusz Gamrot, reigniting his hunger for victory and solidifying his position in the lightweight division.

Eager to fulfill his goals, Hooker recently called out Conor McGregor just after his win at UFC 305, which was criticized by many calling out Hooker for trying to snub Michael Chandler. In an interview with Submission Radio, Hooker explained why a fight against McGregor makes more sense, stating, “I just feel like because I’ve been staying active and I’ve been fighting the best guys in the world that he (Conor McGregor) has more to gain from fighting me than he does from (Michael) Chandler.”

What are your thoughts on Conor McGregor’s higher compensation compared to his opponents? Do you think it’s unfair to them? If this trend of compensation continues in McGregor’s next showdown against Chandler, it could be a major disappointment for Chandler, who is waiting for his ‘Red Panty Night.’ Drop your comments below.