Ben Askren wasn’t joking when he claimed his fight with Jake Paul would be his biggest payday.
Askren will make his professional boxing debut when he takes on the popular YouTuber in Triller Fight Club’s headliner taking place tomorrow night at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia.
Initially, the former UFC welterweight was open to the idea but wasn’t exactly on board either. That was until he was provided with a figure.
“The first time (I was asked about the fight) they didn’t offer me money. It was just ‘Hey would you be interested?’ and I said, ‘yeah, I’ll think about it,’” Askren said.
“They made me a nice offer, and it was something I wanted to do anyway, so I said sure… It’s probably going to be the biggest payday of my career.”
Askren Making Bank Against Paul
Now, we know that figure thanks to the Georgia Athletic and Entertainment Commission disclosing it as Askren will earn $500,000 guaranteed.
Paul, meanwhile, is set to bank $690,000. Neither figures include bonuses or cuts of the pay-per-view.
Paul, however, won’t be the highest earner on the night as super lightweight Regis Prograis — who takes on Ivan Redkach — will be earning $850,000.
Former UFC heavyweight champion Frank Mir, meanwhile, will earn $350,000 when he takes on Steve Cunningham.
Here are the full salaries (via MMA Fighting):
Ben Askren $500,000
Jake Paul $690,000Ivan Redkach $250,000
Regis Prograis $850,000Frank Mir $350,000
Steve Cunningham $150,000Andres “Reykon” Londono $80,000
Joe Fournier $220,000Jeyson Minda $8,000
Junior Younan $25,000William Jackson $8,000
Quinton Randall $15,000
