Scott Smith made $55,000 for his dramatic third-round comeback knockout against hometown favorite
Cung Le at Strikeforce “Evolution” on Saturday in San Jose, Calif., according to figures released Monday by the California State Athletic Commission.
The HP Pavilion hosted 8,552 spectators for a $633,674.50 gate, according to the CSAC’s initial tallies. Le, returning to the cage for the first time in 18 months, earned $150,000 in the first loss of his professional career -- the highest reported payday of the event.
Gilbert Melendez and
Josh Thomson stole the spotlight, though, with their competitive five-round rematch to unify the promotion’s lightweight titles. Melendez, who took home $55,000, recaptured the 155-pound crown by outscoring Thomson in nearly all of their standup exchanges. Thomson earned $30,000 in his first bout back in 15 months following persistent leg injuries.
Muhammed Lawal was penalized 10 percent of his $10,000 show purse for his enthusiastic homage to event sponsor Rockstar following his first-round victory against
Mike Whitehead. Lawal shook and spilled his energy drink all over the cage during his celebration.
Strikeforce “Evolution” Payouts
Scott Smith -- $55,000 (no win bonus listed) def.
Cung Le -- $150,000
Gilbert Melendez -- $55,000 (no win bonus listed) def.
Josh Thomson -- $30,000
Ronaldo "Jacare" Souza -- $65,000 (including $10,000 win bonus) def.
Matt Lindland -- $50,000
Muhammed Lawal -- $19,000 (including $10,000 win bonus)* def.
Mike Whitehead -- $30,000
Antwain Britt -- $10,000 (including $5,000 win bonus) def.
Scott Lighty -- $5,000
Justin Wilcox -- $5,000 def.
Daisuke Nakamura -- $200
Alexander Crispim -- $4,000 (including $2,000 win bonus) def.
A.J. Fonseca -- $2,000
*Lawal penalized 10 percent of show purse by CSAC
Note: These numbers, sent to Sherdog.com by the California State Athletic Commission, are disclosed pay only. They do not include additional bonuses or percentages of other revenue.
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