A Breakdown of How Fighters Get Paid

A UFC struggle isn’t simply concerning the knockouts and submissions – though that is what followers pay for – it’s additionally concerning the bonuses.Past their contracted struggle purse, UFC fighters have the chance to earn further money for distinctive performances. So, how precisely do these bonuses work?This information takes you thru the standard efficiency awards UFC fighters can obtain after every occasion, and the way this method would possibly change within the close to future.

What varieties of bonuses are there?

The UFC usually awards 4 efficiency bonuses throughout every struggle night time, two to male and two to feminine fighters.Whereas the quantities can range barely for particular events or milestone occasions, the usual bonus is $50,000, as of early 2025.Now, it’s vital to do not forget that in contrast to bonuses we’d come throughout in on a regular basis life, resembling no deposit on line casino bonuses, the fighters should work onerous to get their rewards.These bonuses are often divided into the next classes, with the primary two being the most typical:

Efficiency of the Night time (POTN)These bonuses are awarded to fighters who ship essentially the most thrilling and impactful performances. Two POTN bonuses are usually given out every night time, one for every fighter concerned in a very thrilling bout.Combat of the Night time (FOTN)This bonus goes to the 2 fighters who took half in essentially the most entertaining and aggressive struggle of the night time, whatever the consequence. The reward acknowledges their ability, need, and easy pleasure they dropped at the gang.Submission of the Night time (SOTN)When a fighter delivers significantly spectacular chokehold, they might get this award. One standout was the $120,000 that Pablo Garza acquired after defeating Yves Jabouin in 2011 which was one of many highest quantities awarded on the time.Knockout of the Night time (KOTN)Because the identify suggests, the fighter who lands that killer knockout blow will get a bonus.

2025 UFC bonus winners (to this point)

The 2025 UFC season is already delivering its share of thrilling moments, and the bonuses are reflecting that.Right here’s a rundown of the bonus winners to this point this yr (up to date by UFC Combat Night time 252).A number of fighters have already padded their profession earnings with a number of bonuses this yr. Jailton Almeida has continued his dominant run, securing his fourth profession bonus with a TKO victory. Veteran Jared Cannonier has additionally added to his spectacular tally just lately, bringing his complete to eight profession bonuses.Mackenzie Dern is one feminine who has proved as soon as once more along with her grappling prowess, incomes her sixth bonus with a slick armbar submission.Because the yr progresses, extra dramatic finishes and unforgettable fights are certain so as to add to this listing.

The All-Time Greats: Who has received essentially the most bonuses?

The UFC’s bonus system has acknowledged lots of the sport’s premier male fighters for delivering thrilling performances.Charles Oliveira leads the pack with a staggering 20 complete bonuses, displaying how he can awith a mixture of Combat of the Night time, Knockout, and Submission awards.Donald Cerrone carefully follows with 18 bonuses a mirrored image of his constant leisure worth. Nate Diaz, one of many sport’s present greats with a string of traditional wins, has earned 16 bonuses.A number of different fighters, together with Joe Lauzon, Jim Miller, and Dustin Poirier, have additionally amassed 15 bonuses over their distinguished careers. Justin Gaethje and Max Holloway are additionally identified for at all times placing on a present, and their 13 bonuses show that.Within the ladies’s division, Jéssica Andrade stands out with a powerful 11 bonuses due to her well-rounded ability set. Ronda Rousey, a pioneer in ladies’s MMA, earned seven bonuses throughout her dominant run, the identical quantity because the aforementioned Mackenzie Dern.Rose Namajunas and Amanda Nunes have each earned six and 5 bonuses respectively, whereas Zhang Weili additionally has 5 bonuses.A number of different feminine fighters, together with Miesha Tate, Irene Aldana, and Angela Hill, have are additionally on the quintuple bonus listing.

Will the bonus system change sooner or later?

Wanting forward, the UFC bonus system may see some attention-grabbing adjustments as the game grows ever extra in style and profitable.There’s potential for elevated bonus quantities and even new bonus classes to return alongside. Already, discussions round fan-voted bonuses or bonuses tied to particular efficiency metrics have taken place: we may additionally see in the direction of extra data-driven rewards, the place the lastest expertise performs a component in decision-making.The rise of rising markets and worldwide occasions additionally means the UFC would possibly introduce region-specific bonuses to incentivize native expertise. An rising deal with fighter security may additionally result in bonuses for fighters who show distinctive sportsmanship or technical mastery with out extreme injury.No matter adjustments happen, the core precept of rewarding distinctive performances will seemingly stay. To followers that need to see their favourite fighters rewarded, bonuses will at all times be one of the vital eagerly anticipated occasions of elite worldwide combating.