Esteban Ribovics Forfeits 20% Purse and Bonus Eligibility After UFC 332 Weight Miss

Making weight is often called the fight before the fight, and lightweight prospect Esteban Ribovics learned that lesson the hard way on Friday morning ahead of UFC 332 in Salt Lake City. Stepping onto the scale looking visibly drained, the Argentine action fighter missed the nontitle lightweight limit by just half a pound, coming in at 156.5 pounds for his main card showdown against veteran favorite King Green.

Even a second attempt behind the curtain couldn't shave off that remaining eight ounces, leaving "El Gringo" to face steep penalties before stepping inside the cage.

The High Cost of Half a Pound

Because of the scale mishap, Ribovics forfeits 20 percent of his fight purse, which goes directly to his opponent. But the punishment doesn't stop with a hit to his base pay. The weight miss also officially renders Ribovics ineligible to take home any post-fight performance bonuses on Saturday night. That creates a massive financial incentive for Green; if their lightweight scrap delivers the expected fireworks and snags Fight of the Night honors, Green will pocket the entire $200,000 bonus all for himself.

The weigh-in stumble adds an unwanted layer of adversity to what remains one of the most exciting matchups on the card. Ribovics carries a 16-3 professional record built on high-volume striking and finish-oriented aggression. Meanwhile, Green brings an ultra-experienced 36-17-1 record into the Octagon, having comfortably made weight at 155.5 pounds while looking completely refreshed and ready for battle.

While the bout will go forward as scheduled at a catchweight, missing the mark by such a razor-thin margin is a brutal setback. Ribovics now steps into the Octagon with a lighter paycheck and zero eligibility for extra fight-night cash, leaving him to fight purely for redemption and a win on his resume when the cage door closes.