Sanchez Pockets $90K at TUF 9 Finale

Lightweight contender Diego Sanchez banked an event-high $90,000 -- including a $45,000 win bonus -- after his memorable three-round scrap with Clay Guida at “The Ultimate Fighter 9” Finale on Saturday in Las Vegas, according to figures released by the Nevada State Athletic Commission.

Sanchez inched his name to the front of the line of potential contenders for the UFC lightweight crown, as he eked out a split decision against the indomitable Guida. He nearly finished the energetic Chicagoan twice in the first round but let the opportunities slip by. Guida’s three-fight winning streak grinded to a halt in defeat, but he brought home $23,000 for his efforts.

Meanwhile, former UFC lightweight title challenger Joe Stevenson followed Sanchez on the show’s payout list, as he pocketed $70,000 -- $35,000 win bonus included -- in wake of his unanimous decision victory over Nate Diaz. The victory snapped a two-fight losing streak for the 27-year-old father of four.

Welterweight James Wilks and lightweight Ross Pearson, the two latest additions to the list of “The Ultimate Fighter” winners, earned $16,000 -- $8,000 bonuses included -- in their respective finals.

‘The Ultimate Fighter 9’ Finale Payouts

Diego Sanchez -- $90,000 ($45,000 win bonus)
Joe Stevenson -- $70,000 ($35,000 win bonus)
Chris Lytle -- $36,000 ($18,000 win bonus)
Melvin Guillard -- $24,000 ($12,000 win bonus)
Clay Guida -- $23,000
Nate Diaz -- $20,000
Brad Blackburn -- $18,000 ($9,000 win bonus)
Gleison Tibau -- $17,000
James Wilks -- $16,000 ($8,000 win bonus)
Ross Pearson -- $16,000 ($8,000 win bonus)
Nick Osipczak -- $16,000 ($8,000 win bonus)
Jason Dent -- $16,000 ($8,000 win bonus)
Tomasz Drwal -- $15,600 ($7,000 win bonus)
Kevin Burns -- $9,000
Damarques Johnson -- $8,000
Andre Winner -- $8,000
Cameron Dollar -- $8,000
Mike Ciesnolevicz -- $6,400
Edgar Garcia -- $5,000

Note: These numbers, sent to Sherdog.com by the Nevada State Athletic Commission, represent disclosed pay only. A portion of Ciesnolevicz’s pay went to his opponent, Drwal, because of his failure to meet the 206-pound threshold for light heavyweights.