On this day in 2022, the year’s final pay-per-view event delivered plenty of exciting moments. Dana White has announced that with the UFC’s new U.S. broadcasting deal with Paramount starting in 2026, fighter pay will be increased. While specific details have yet to be revealed, there has been ongoing demand for higher post-fight bonuses beginning early next year. Although bonuses have been given at previous events, White expressed disappointment that the latest card didn’t meet expectations after offering bonuses at UFC 304. Recently, the promotion has broken tradition by varying bonus amounts instead of sticking to a fixed sum.
At UFC 282 on December 10, 2022, Dana White awarded bonuses to all fighters who finished their bouts. The event is notable for two standout fights: the light heavyweight title match between Jan Blachowicz and Magomed Ankalaev ending in a draw, and Paddy Pimblett’s controversial win over Jared Gordon. Remarkably, all fights went to a decision except for two at the end of the night, leading to a record 11 bonuses being handed out at a single event. Darren Till was the only fighter to get a bonus despite losing, earning Fight of the Night for his bout against Doricas du Plessis. Among the bonus recipients was Raul Rosas Jr., who made history as the youngest UFC fighter at 18 to win a fight via submission.
Additionally, UFC champion Ilia Topuria earned a bonus at UFC 282 for his submission victory over Bryce Mitchell. The full list of bonus winners includes Doricas du Plessis and Darren Till (Fight of the Night), Santiago Ponzinibbio, Ilia Topuria, Raul Rosas Jr., Jairzinho Rozenstruik, Edmen Shahbazyan, Chris Curtis, Billy Quarantillo, TJ Brown, and Cameron Boling.
Fan Take: This announcement signals a promising shift for UFC fighters’ compensation, reflecting the sport’s growing mainstream appeal and financial success. For fans, increased bonuses and fighter pay can translate into even higher stakes and more thrilling performances inside the Octagon.
