UFC president Dana White’s earlier leniency eventually backfired on him months later. Earlier this year, White faced criticism for refusing to grant post-fight bonuses to certain fighters who requested them. However, the situation took a turn when White generously distributed over $2.5 million in post-fight bonuses.
During the landmark UFC 300 event last April, White declared that every fighter who finished their opponent would receive a substantial $300,000 bonus. This generosity was tested as UFC 300 turned out to be a historic event with numerous impressive finishes, compelling White to open his wallet wide. Fighters like light heavyweight contender Jiri Prochaska earned $300,000 for his victory over Aleksandar Rakic, while Max Holloway took home $600,000 for securing both Fight of the Night and Performance of the Night honors after his memorable knockout against Justin Gaethje.
Beyond the official recipients, other fighters who scored finishes also reported receiving $300,000 bonuses. For example, Alex Pereira revealed after his knockout win at UFC 303 that he pocketed $303,000, partly for saving the event. Shortly after, at UFC 304, White was pressured by Bobby Green to double his bonus from $50,000 to $100,000. Although the circumstances were out of White’s hands, the experience thrilled him and led him to vow never to give in to such pressure again.
White’s decision to increase the bonuses at UFC 304 did not lead to better performances, with only five finishes out of 14 fights that night. Reflecting on this, White announced in his post-fight press conference that raising the bonuses did not motivate fighters to perform harder and declared he would no longer increase the bonuses on a whim. He emphasized he wouldn’t promise large bonus amounts in future press conferences, stating, “Never again. Today was the last day I would do it.”
Looking ahead, UFC fighters might see permanent increases in post-fight bonuses starting in 2026. This possibility came to light after the UFC secured a $7.7 billion broadcast deal with Paramount, with White suggesting that boosting fighter bonuses could be a way to share that newfound revenue.
Fan Take: This development is a game-changer for fight fans and fighters alike, signaling a potential shift towards better compensation and incentives in the sport. If bonuses are permanently increased, it could elevate performance levels and further excite audiences, helping the UFC grow even bigger in the years to come.
