Dana White confirmed that a new post-fight bonus structure will take effect, starting with UFC 324 tonight. Many speculated how fighter pay would change after the promotion’s media rights deal with Paramount was made official.
Not only did White introduce a new system, but fighters who finish their opponents will also be rewarded. Previously, the UFC awarded post-fight bonuses, including Fight of the Night, Performance of the Night, Knockout of the Night, and Submission of the Night.
Under the new media rights deal, the UFC is doing away with Knockout of the Night and Submission of the Night. As a result, the remaining bonuses will become more lucrative for fighters to earn.
Dana White Announces Bonuses Will Double
Dana White announced two bonuses, in particular, should motivate fighters competing at UFC 324.
While speaking with Sports Business Journal, White revealed that Performance of the Night and Fight of the Night will now increase to $100, 000. That figure is double the previous $50, 000 awarded.
In addition, fighters who earn a victory by knockout or submission will now receive a $25, 000 bonus. By eliminating specific finish bonuses, the UFC aims to add more incentive for fighters. This could especially benefit fighters just beginning their UFC careers, potentially increasing their purses significantly.
With the new bonuses announced, fighters are less likely to be overlooked by White or the matchmakers for securing a stoppage. According to White, the UFC typically allocated $200, 000 for post-fight bonuses.
Under the new structure, the total allocation increases to $400, 000. It is unclear whether this figure will fluctuate for certain events, including the upcoming White House event in June.
The largest increase in post-fight bonuses occurred at UFC 300, when White raised the bonuses to $300, 000 each to commemorate the historic event. That night, Max Holloway earned $600, 000 in bonuses for Knockout of the Night and Performance of the Night, respectively.
Insider Addresses White’s Announcement Regarding UFC Bonus Structure
MMA journalist Ariel Helwani recently discussed White’s announcement of the UFC’s new bonus structure and post-fight incentives. He noted that although the figures were confirmed for UFC 324, they will not be applied to every event.
Helwani took to X, reporting that fighter pay still remains an ongoing issue.
“I’ve spoke to a number of managers who all tell me there is no set structure in place so far. UFC is basically operating on case by case at the moment,” Helwani wrote. “Not every veteran got a bump, not every champ who subjected to PPV points gets a bump.”
Since the UFC has moved to a streaming model, bonuses tied to pay-per-view points will need to be adjusted. Previously, UFC champions earned a percentage of the pay-per-view depending on how many buys their event generated. Now events are free for Paramount+ subscribers, the promotion will have to determine how fighters can recoup that revenue.
“The replacing of pay-per-view points depends on what you’ve drawn in the past plus international pay-per-view,” Helwani wrote “Right now, there is no absolute box office pay-per-view draw, so it won’t be as contentious as it would have been in, say, 2016.”
Perhaps White will provide more clarity following tonight’s event, as the UFC adjusts to its new model.
Dana White Announces UFC’s New Bonus Structure, Adds Incentive for Finishes