MMA fans know that a fighter’s paycheck isn’t just the show fee or win bonus. Often, there’s something extra on the line: the UFC fight bonuses. These performance-based rewards can change careers, encourage risk-taking, and keep the action inside the Octagon as exciting as possible. Understanding UFC bonuses is essential for fans who want the full picture of fighter pay and how the UFC motivates its athletes.
TL;DR
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UFC fight bonuses include Fight of the Night and Performance of the Night, usually worth $50,000 each.
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They’re awarded at UFC’s discretion, based on excitement, finishes, risk-taking, and technical skill.
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Bonuses are expected to rise with the new Paramount+ deal, and discretionary locker room bonuses also exist.
What Are UFC Fight Bonuses?
A UFC fight bonus is an additional monetary award given to fighters for outstanding performance in a UFC event. They are separate from the base contract payouts (known as show money, win money, and sponsorship earnings). The main goal of bonuses is to reward exciting fights, spectacular finishes, and aggressive performances that entertain fans.
Unlike guaranteed pay, bonuses are discretionary. This means the UFC leadership, led by President Dana White, decides who receives them. Factors like crowd reaction, risk-taking, technical skill, and overall entertainment value influence the decision.
Types of UFC Bonuses
Currently, there are two primary types of UFC post-fight bonuses, but their structure has evolved over the years.
Fight of the Night
Fight of the Night is awarded to the two fighters who take part in the most exciting fight on the card. This could be a back-and-forth war, a dramatic comeback, or a fight full of momentum swings. Both fighters receive the bonus, regardless of who wins.
Performance of the Night
Replacing the older Knockout of the Night and Submission of the Night, Performance of the Night rewards individuals who deliver standout performances. It could be a brutal knockout, a slick submission, or a dominant display of skill. Typically, two fighters per card receive this award, but sometimes more are granted.
Historical Bonus Types
In the past, separate awards existed for Knockout of the Night and Submission of the Night. These were eventually merged into Performance of the Night to simplify the system.
Discretionary UFC Bonuses
In addition to the standardized awards, there are discretionary or locker room bonuses. These are not officially announced but are privately handed out by the UFC after an event. Fighters may receive them for stepping in on short notice, saving a card, or giving a particularly gutsy performance.
There have also been occasional Fan Bonus of the Night awards, often tied to sponsorship platforms where fans vote for their favorite fighter. These sometimes include crypto-based or smaller cash rewards.
How Much Are UFC Bonuses Worth?
The standard amount for UFC fight bonuses has long been $50,000 per award. That means a Fight of the Night bout earns each participant $50K, while Performance of the Night winners each take home $50K.
For major milestone events such as UFC 300, the UFC has occasionally increased the bonus amount. With the new media rights deal starting in 2026 with Paramount+, UFC leadership has confirmed that bonus amounts will rise, although exact figures are not yet finalized.
How UFC Decides Fight Bonuses
Bonuses are awarded after the conclusion of the event. UFC executives review the performances and weigh several factors, including:
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Overall excitement and entertainment value
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Aggressiveness and risk-taking
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Technical mastery, such as highlight finishes or dominant control
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The fight’s importance (main event, title fight, or high-profile matchup)
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Crowd and fan engagement during the fight
Since the process is subjective, some fighters and fans feel that deserving performances are occasionally overlooked. This adds to debates after events about who should have received Fight of the Night or Performance of the Night.
Why UFC Bonuses Matter
For many fighters, UFC fight bonuses are life-changing. Entry-level fighters may only earn $10,000 to show and $10,000 to win. For them, a $50,000 bonus can exceed their entire contracted pay and drastically improve their financial situation.
Bonuses also serve as an incentive for fighters to pursue finishes, engage in action-heavy fights, and entertain the fans. This benefits the UFC by keeping cards exciting and maintaining strong viewership. From a fighter’s perspective, a bonus can cover training camp expenses, recovery, and career progression.
Recent Changes and What’s Ahead
The biggest development is the Paramount+ media rights deal, beginning in 2026. Under this agreement, UFC has confirmed that bonus amounts will increase. Fans and fighters alike are hopeful this will address concerns about stagnation, as bonuses have remained fixed at $50,000 for many years despite inflation and the UFC’s growing revenue.
Another ongoing issue is transparency. While Fight of the Night and Performance of the Night are publicly announced, locker room bonuses remain confidential. This lack of openness sometimes frustrates fans and fuels speculation about favoritism.
Controversies and Misunderstandings
A common misconception is that every knockout or submission automatically earns a Performance bonus. In reality, only the most outstanding performances across the card are selected.
Another point of controversy is subjectivity. Sometimes, undercard fighters win Fight of the Night over main card competitors, sparking debates. Fans also argue that the fixed $50,000 bonus has lost value over time, as fighter expenses and other wordly factors reduce its real-world impact.
Finally, many believe bonuses are tied to winning. However, that is not always the case. A fighter can lose but still earn Fight of the Night if the bout was highly entertaining.
UFC fight bonuses are more than just extra cash. They represent recognition, motivation, and opportunity. For fighters, they can mean the difference between scraping by and financial stability. For fans, they ensure more action, drama, and excitement inside the Octagon.
