Joe Rogan Left Stunned After Finding Out Oleksandr Usyk Will Earn $132 Million for Huge Title Fight
The world of professional boxing continues to captivate audiences with its blend of athletic prowess and staggering financial rewards, and the upcoming heavyweight title rematch between Oleksandr Usyk and Daniel Dubois is no exception. UFC commentator and renowned podcast host Joe Rogan recently expressed his shock upon learning the astronomical purse figures for this highly anticipated bout, set to take place on July 19, 2025, at Wembley Stadium in London. Reports indicate that Usyk, the reigning undisputed heavyweight champion, will earn a jaw-dropping $132 million, while his challenger, Dubois, is expected to pocket $71 million, for a combined purse exceeding $200 million. Rogan’s reaction, shared during a conversation with UFC fighters Israel Adesanya and Alexander Volkanovski, underscores the growing disparity between boxing and MMA fighter pay, as well as the sheer scale of boxing’s biggest paydays.
Rogan’s astonishment came to light during UFC’s International Fight Week in Las Vegas, where he discussed the fight’s financial details with Adesanya and Volkanovski. “Bro, did you see the numbers that Usyk and Dubois are getting?” Rogan exclaimed, according to a video shared by the YouTube channel FREESTYLEBENDER. “$132 million and $71 million. Yo, that’s crazy! Numbers for purses.” His reaction reflects the sentiment of many in the combat sports world, where top-tier boxers often command purses that dwarf those of even the most successful UFC fighters. While UFC champions rarely earn eight-figure sums for a single fight, boxing’s elite continue to set new benchmarks for fight purses, with Usyk’s reported earnings rivaling those of Canelo Alvarez’s projected payday for his upcoming bout against Terence Crawford, estimated to be between $100 and $150 million.
The Usyk-Dubois rematch is a significant event in the heavyweight division, following their controversial first encounter in 2023. In that fight, Usyk secured a ninth-round knockout victory, but the bout was marred by a fifth-round incident where Dubois landed a body shot that dropped Usyk. The punch was controversially ruled a low blow, sparking debate over its legitimacy. Despite the contention, Usyk recovered and went on to cement his status as a boxing legend, defeating Tyson Fury twice to claim and retain the undisputed heavyweight crown. Now, with the WBC, WBO, WBA, and Dubois’ IBF titles on the line, the rematch promises to be one of the most significant heavyweight clashes of the decade.
Usyk, with an unblemished 23-0 record, including 14 knockouts, has established himself as a master technician in the ring. His ability to overcome size disadvantages through superior footwork, ring intelligence, and conditioning has earned him praise from analysts and peers alike. Rogan, a long-time combat sports enthusiast, has previously lauded Usyk’s skills, calling him “the best boxer alive” after his victory over Fury in December 2024. Usyk’s journey from Olympic gold medalist to undisputed champion in both cruiserweight and heavyweight divisions showcases his remarkable talent and dedication, making his massive payday a reflection of his marketability and dominance.
Dubois, meanwhile, enters the fight with a 22-2 record, boasting an impressive 21 knockouts. His recent knockout victory over Anthony Joshua in September 2024 has solidified his reputation as a formidable contender. Despite earning just $2 million in his first fight against Usyk and $13 million for the Joshua bout, Dubois’ $71 million purse for this rematch marks a significant leap, highlighting the financial allure of boxing’s biggest stages. The combined purse of over $200 million underscores the influence of promoters like Turki Alalshikh and the growing investment in boxing events, particularly in high-profile venues like Wembley Stadium.
The boxing world is abuzz with predictions, with figures like Canelo Alvarez and Anthony Yarde backing Usyk to retain his titles. Alvarez reportedly placed a $500,000 bet on Usyk, while Yarde told talkSPORT, “We cannot go against Usyk. He’s a master operator.” However, Dubois’ devastating punching power poses a real threat, and his confidence heading into the rematch suggests he believes he can upset the Ukrainian champion. Rogan’s reaction to the fight purses has also sparked discussions about the pay structure in combat sports, with UFC featherweight champion Volkanovski urging UFC president Dana White to take note of boxing’s lucrative model.
As the boxing world awaits the July 19 showdown, the massive financial stakes and the fighters’ contrasting styles promise an electrifying event. Usyk’s technical brilliance will face off against Dubois’ raw power, with the winner potentially setting the stage for future blockbuster fights, including a possible trilogy with Tyson Fury in 2026. For now, Rogan’s stunned reaction serves as a reminder of the sport’s ability to generate both jaw-dropping purses and unforgettable moments in the ring.
