Tito Ortiz Dominates Purse Payout at UFC 73: Stacked

They fought to a draw but Tito Ortiz was the big winner in the UFC 73: Stacked purse stakes, making more than 13 times what Rashad Evans did.

Ortiz, a former UFC light-heavyweight champion, made US$210,000 for Saturday night's mixed martial arts fight in Sacramento, Calif., according to figures released Monday by the California State Athletic Commission. Rashad's paycheque was $16,000.

Ortiz, a California native, was the card's main draw despite the presence of two title bouts. And The Huntington Beach Bad Boy's pay reflected that with his $210,000 representing almost 28 per cent of the card's total purse of $761,000.

It was also 70 times what Toronto lightweight Mark Bocek made in his UFC debut in the first fight of the night.

The live gate at Arco Arena was $1,551,920 with total attendance of 13,182, according to the commission. The UFC does not release information on fighter contracts or pay-per-view revenue from its events.

The purse information does not necessarily reflect the fighters' true paydays. It does not cover bonuses or other UFC contract payouts, and elite fighters can get a slice of the lucrative pay-per-view take.

Next best on the pay chart was former Pride heavyweight champion Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira, who made $200,000 - including a $100,000 win bonus - for beating Heath Herring. The challenger got $70,000.

Middleweight champion Anderson Silva made $90,000 - $45,000 plus a similar win bonus - for defending his title against Nate Marquardt. The challenger collected $24,000.

Lightweight Sean Sherk got $28,000 - including a $14,000 win bonus - for his win over challenger Hermes Franca, who made $14,000.

Lightweight Jorge Gurgel made $14,000 - including a $7,000 win bonus - for defeating Diego Saraieva in what was judged bout of the night by the UFC. Gurgel was taken to hospital after the bout with a broken jaw. Saraiva made $3,000.

Returning from a drug suspension, Stephan Bonnar collected $32,000 for beating Mike Nickels ($5,000).

Frank Edgar made $10,000 for beating Bocek ($3,000).

In other fights:

-Welterweight Chris Lytle picked up $20,000 for submitting Jason Gilliam ($3,000).

-Lightweight Kenny Florian earned $16,000 for beating Alvin Robinson ($3,000)

Source: canadaeast.com