WEC 50 Payouts: Cruz Earns $22,000

Dominick Cruz file photo: Sherdog.com

Dominick Cruz banked $22,000 for his taxing five-round title defense against the always-advancing Joseph Benavidez at WEC 50 on Wednesday in Las Vegas, according to figures released by the Nevada State Athletic Commission.

Cruz earned a split decision in the high-action rematch with Benavidez, who’d dropped a unanimous nod to the Alliance MMA fighter at WEC 42 a year ago. Benavidez walked away with $17,500 in his second loss to the divisional king.

Though his bloodied face might have mirrored the most wear and tear, Cruz wasn’t the highest paid participant on the card. Winner Scott Jorgenson’s take-home tally came to $35,000 -- including a $10,000 “Fight of the Night” bonus doled out by the promotion -- for his riveting three-rounder against Brit Brad Pickett, who netted $17,000.

Dominick Cruz -- $22,000 (including $11,000 win bonus) def. Joseph Benavidez -- $17,500

Anthony Pettis -- $22,000 (including $6,000 win bonus, $10,000 submission bonus) def. Shane Roller -- $16,000

Chad Mendes -- $11,000 (including $5,500 win bonus) def. Cub Swanson -- $11,000

Scott Jorgensen-- $35,000 (including $12,500 win bonus, $10,000 FOTN bonus) def. Brad Pickett -- $17,000 (including $10,000 FOTN bonus)

Bart Palaszewski -- $16,000 (including $8,000 win bonus) def. Zachary Micklewright -- $3,000

Maciej Jewtuszko -- $16,000 (including $3,000 win bonus, $10,000 knockout bonus) def. Anthony Njokuani -- $7,000

Javier Vazquez -- $16,000 (including $8,000 win bonus) def. Mackens Semerzier -- $4,000

Ricardo Lamas -- $14,000 (including $7,000 win bonus) def. David Jansen -- $4,000

Fredson Paixao -- $6,000 (including $3,000 win bonus) def. Bryan Caraway -- $4,000

Danny Castillo -- $19,000 (including $9,500 win bonus) def. Dustin Poirier -- $3,000

Note: These numbers, sent to Sherdog.com by the Nevada State Athletic Commission, are disclosed pay only. Performance bonuses are also noted. They do not include additional bonuses or percentages of other revenue.