Not bad for 15 minutes of work.
Brock Lesnar's return to UFC after five years away from the sport has proven to be a staggering financial success for both The Beast and his temporary employers. The former UFC heavyweight champion's upset victory over knockout artist Mark Hunt earned him a guaranteed payday of $2.5 million, the biggest in the mixed martial arts promotion's history.
That number more than doubled the previous record purse of $1 million awarded to Conor McGregor after his defeat at the hands of Nate Diaz at UFC 196. That fact probably doesn't sit well with the outspoken Irish fighter who only half-jokingly attributes the massive success of the UFC solely to himself.
As part of UFC's endorsement deal with Reebok, fighters are no longer permitted to secure their own individual sponsorships, instead receiving a payout from the athletic apparel company based on a formula that has come under heavy criticism. Lesnar's take from Reebok for the fight was a mere $5,000.
Where the bulk of the money comes in is in pay-per-view points. Only the sport's biggest draws command PPV incentive payments, with a certain amount of money distributed to that fighter based on a tiered formula of purchases for the event.
The Wrestling Observer has reported that once the pay-per-view numbers are tallied - and they're expected to be significant, possibly even record-setting - Lesnar stands to make a minimum of $5.5 million and a max of around $8 million.
While the exact details of his current WWE deal, which expires in 2018 are unknown, this figure is reportedly more than what Brock earns in an entire year working for WWE. When you combine that with the obvious elation that he felt getting back in the octagon and competing again, Vince McMahon should be very worried that one of his biggest draws will be looking to go elsewhere. Yes, he may technically be under contract to WWE, but it's hard to imagine a fickle man with the leverage and business acumen of Brock wouldn't have had his representation build himself an out into any contract he signs.
There has been no indication that there is a future between the UFC and Brock Lesnar, but it was quite apparent during the entire event and post-fight press conference that the massively competitive athlete's heart is still in the cage. Whether he's willing to commit to a fighting career at his age is another question entirely.
With money like that on the table, his career path may be on a vastly different trajectory than it was just six short months ago.
