Barnett Leads Strikeforce Salaries with $150,000 Payday

Sherdog.com obtained the show’s payroll information Monday from the Ohio State Athletic Commission.

The victory at U.S. Bank Arena in Cincinnati, Barnett’s eighth straight, moved the 33-year-old “Warmaster” on to the final of Strikeforce’s 2011 heavyweight grand prix. Kharitonov, who capitulated to an arm-triangle choke at 4:28 of the opening round, pocketed $100,000.

Also advancing to the tournament final was unbeaten Olympic wrestling convert Daniel Cormier, who stunned Brazilian “Bigfoot” Antonio Silva with a first-round knockout. Cormier earned $100,000 (including a $50,000 win bonus) for the biggest win of his young career, while Silva netted the same amount in defeat.

The evening’s other top earners included “King” Mo Lawal ($85,000), who punched out Roger Gracie ($80,000); former middleweight champion Ronaldo “Jacare” Souza ($70,000) and his successor, Luke Rockhold ($50,000); and ex-light heavyweight titlist Rafael Cavalcante ($60,000).

As always, salaries disclosed by state athletic commissions do not account for deductions such as licensing fees or taxes, nor do they reflect any sponsor pay or discretionary bonuses which a promoter may award.

Josh Barnett: $150,000

Sergei Kharitonov: $100,000

Daniel Cormier: $100,000
(Includes $50,000 win bonus)

Antonio Silva: $100,000

Luke Rockhold: $50,000
(Includes $25,000 win bonus)

Ronaldo Souza: $70,000

Muhammed Lawal: $85,000

Roger Gracie: $80,000

Pat Healy: $17,500
(Includes $5,000 win bonus)

Maximo Blanco: $13,000

Mike Kyle: $44,000
(Includes $22,000 win bonus)

Marcos Rogerio de Lima: $5,000

Rafael Cavalcante: $60,000
(Includes $30,000 win bonus)

Yoel Romero Palacio: $10,000

Jordan Mein: $16,000
(Includes $8,000 win bonus)

Evangelista Santos: $20,000

Alexis Davis: $6,000
(Includes $3,000 win bonus)

Amanda Nunes: $7,500

Dominique Steele: $5,000
(Includes $2,000 win bonus)

Chris Mierzwiak: $3,000