UFC Fans Rejoice: Fight of the Night and Performance of the Night Awards Doubled to $100,000
The Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) has announced a significant increase in fighter incentives, with the Fight of the Night and Performance of the Night awards being doubled to $100,000 each. This move comes as the UFC begins its new era with Paramount, following a seven-year, $7.7 billion U.S. rights deal. The standard post-fight pool will now be at least $400,000 per card, up from $200,000. Additionally, a new $25,000 finish bonus will be awarded to fighters who win by KO, TKO, or submission but do not receive one of the $100,000 awards.
Dana White, the UFC president, had been hinting at increased bonuses for months, stating that “bonuses are obviously going up” once the Paramount agreement kicked in. However, the exact figures were not disclosed until recently. The news has been met with enthusiasm from fans, who have been calling for higher bonuses and universal rewards for stoppages. The increase is seen as a long-overdue move, with many fans pointing out that the standard bonus had been frozen at $50,000 for over a decade, despite the UFC’s revenues and rights fees increasing significantly.
UFC Fans React to the News
Fans have taken to social media to express their excitement and approval of the new bonus structure. On Reddit, users have praised the move, calling it “about time” and “a genuine win for fighters.” Many have noted that the increase will motivate fighters to chase finishes rather than coast to decisions, with one fan commenting that “a guaranteed finish bonus could serve as a strong motivator for taking decisive action.” Others have pointed out that the new structure makes them more likely to sign up for Paramount+, the streaming service that will host most UFC events.
The reaction from fans is not surprising, given the long-standing frustration over stagnant bonuses. The $50,000 awards had lost significant purchasing power since the late 2000s, and fans had been arguing that inflation alone justified a jump toward $75,000-$100,000. The new bonus structure is seen as a step in the right direction, with fans hoping that it will lead to more exciting fights and a greater sense of reward for fighters who put on a show.
A New Era for the UFC
The increased bonuses are just one part of the UFC’s new era with Paramount. The seven-year, $7.7 billion deal is expected to bring in around $1.1 billion per year for the UFC, with most events now anchored on Paramount+ rather than traditional pay-per-view. The move is seen as a significant shift in the way the UFC approaches its business, with a greater emphasis on streaming and online content. Fans are eagerly anticipating the changes, hoping that they will lead to a more exciting and rewarding experience for both fighters and viewers.
According to a report by the Sports Business Journal, the new bonus structure is just one part of a larger effort by the UFC to increase fighter compensation. The report notes that the UFC is committed to providing more opportunities for fighters to earn money, both in and out of the octagon. With the new bonus structure and the increased revenue from the Paramount deal, it seems that the UFC is taking steps in the right direction.
As the UFC looks to the future, fans are excited to see what the new era will bring. With increased bonuses, a new streaming deal, and a commitment to fighter compensation, it seems that the UFC is poised for a period of significant growth and success. One thing is certain: the new bonus structure is a major win for fighters, and fans are eager to see the impact it will have on the sport.
