Benavidez stands to earn more than Champion--why?

It’s no secret that Joseph Benavidez is one of the WEC’s hottest commodities. With his fast-paced style and charismatic demeanor, he’s an easy fan favorite, reminiscent of mentor, training partner, and friend Urijah Faber.

But, doe’s that mean that Benavidez, a challenger to champion Dominick Cruz’ title, should earn more then the number one guy in his weight class?

MMAJunkie.com has gathered information from Keith Kizer of the Nevada State Athletic Commission, who emailed the preliminary figures to the mma-based media outlet.

According to which, Benavidez stands to earn an event high of $35,000 should he prove successful in his bout to claim the 135-pound title from current champion Cruz. Dominick, meanwhile, stands to earn only $22,000 according to the email, should he retain the title successfully, in his first formal defense.

While Joseph has been a spitfire in the bantamweight division, with wins over Rahni Yahiya and former champion Miguel Torres anchoring his credentials, do his accolades prove more impressive than Cruz’, who earned his bid in becoming a champion when was the first to defeat Brian Bowles.

The figures below we’re formatted by MMAJunkie, through the email given by Keith Kizer of the NSAC.

MAIN CARD

* Champ Dominick Cruz ($11,000/$11,000) vs. Joseph Benavidez ($17,500/$17,500)
* Anthony Pettis ($6,000/$6,000) vs. Shane Roller ($16,000/$16,000)
* Chad Mendes ($5,500/$5,500) vs. Cub Swanson ($11,000/$10,000)
* Scott Jorgensen ($12,500/$12,500) vs. Brad Pickett ($5,000/$5,000)
* Zach Micklewright ($3,000/$3,000) vs. Bart Palaszewski ($8,000/$8,000)

PRELIMINARY CARD

* Mackens Semerzier ($4,000/$4,000) vs. Javier Vazquez ($8,000/$8,000)
* Maciej Jewtuszko ($3,000/$3,000) vs. Anthony Njokuani ($7,000/$7,000)
* Dave Jansen ($4,000/$4,000) vs. Ricardo Lamas ($7,000/$7,000)
* Bryan Caraway ($4,000/$4,000) vs. Fredson Paixao ($3,000/$3,000)
* Danny Castillo ($9,500/$9,500) vs. Dustin Poirier ($3,000/$3,000)

So, is anyone surprised by the figures, or is it business as usual?