One of the top names that participated in the latest pay-per-view event in the UFC desperately needed his salary.
UFC 319 marked the return of the promotion to Chicago for the first time since the pandemic, and the MMA-hungry fans in the 'Windy City' were treated to a number of memorable versions.
Before Khamzat Chimaev Drica Du Persis dominated in the main event, Lerone Murphy and Carlos Prates Prates Back-to-Back Elleboog Knockouts delivered to send the United Center audience in a rowchy.
And it was not only knockouts that fans were enthusiastic, because flight weight veteran Tim Elliott Kai Asakura submitted to start the main map in style. The result came in the first fight of the American ex-title Challenger in almost two years, and it seems that things were far from comfortable during his resignation.
Tim Elliott reveals the financial position of the shock before bonus-winning UFC 319 is up
Elliott challenged Demetrious Johnson for UFC Gold in 2016, two years after he was released from the promotion. After he has made up 'mighty mouse', the resident of Arkansas City has always remained an present in the 125-pound division.
But his status as a former championship candidate and 20 UFC fights were not enough to leave Elliott financially strong while he was forced to stay on the sidelines for more than 600 days due to injuries.
The 38-year-old Jager recently revealed in a post on X that he had limited funds on his bank account before he returned to Triumph on a former Rizin champion in Asakura on UFC 319 on August 16.
“I had $ 600 in my account on the day I left for my fight, although I hadn't fought in 600 days,” Elliott wrote.
“That's scary for a parent!”
I had 600 $ in my account on the day I left for my fight, although I hadn't fought in 600 days. That's scary for a parent!
– Tim Elliott (@Telliott125) 24 August 2025
View tweet
UFC Shanghai winner was in a similar place despite four victories in 2024
Elliott's comment came in response to the discussion about the situation of Charles Johnson.
Johnson spread Lone'er Kavanagh in UFC Shanghai to take the unbeaten status of the highly recommended prospect and to further solidify his reputation for stopping up-and-comers in their traces.
The result deserved a bonus, and it turns out that it was much needed.
Although he was one of the most active hunters of the promotion and all four of his assignments won in 2024, it was reported that Johnson had to borrow money from his manager for UFC Shanghai.
“Charles Johnson's bank account went on red this week, says his team,” wrote Ariel Helwani on X.
“His manager Brian Butler borrowed him some money. Johnson now has a baby that arrives every day.
“I have this big ko. Also got a bonus. First victory of 2025. Congratulations @innergmma_ufc,” he added.
Both Johnson and the revelations of Elliott have only strengthened the criticism of the UFC because of the low income exchange with the athletes.