The UFC is shaking things up as the promotion gears up for its first event on Paramount+. Now, with just hours to go before their opening card of 2026, final face-offs for UFC 324 are done and dusted.
The UFC is shaking things up as the promotion gears up for its first event on Paramount+.
Now, with just hours to go before their opening card of 2026, final face-offs for UFC 324 are done and dusted.
The Octagon is back at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas on January 24, and this one feels bigger than usual.
Dana White’s Zuffa Boxing debut did not exactly set the world alight, but the hope is that the first UFC event on Paramount+ will land a bit better.
A major change, long requested by fans, has been announced just ahead of tonight’s action.
Dana White confirms new UFC 324 bonus structure
Dana White faced questions about increasing UFC bonuses at the Paramount+ launch during this week’s UFC 324 press conference.
The promotion has long rewarded fighters for standout performances with extra pay, but with the new TV deal set to begin, many felt it was time for a change.
Fans had been calling for the $50,000 bonuses to be raised and this week the UFC confirmed the update ahead of its January 24 debut on Paramount+.
Speaking to Sports Business Journal, White outlined how the system will work going forward.
The Fight of the Night and Performance of the Night bonuses have doubled, meaning each now comes with a $100,000 reward.
In addition to that increase, any fighter who scores a finish without picking up one of those main bonuses will still pocket an extra $25,000. It is a change that brings more recognition to those putting on exciting finishes.
How fan pressure and media coverage led to Dana White’s new UFC bonus structure
There has been growing talk of potential bonus increases tied to the Paramount+ deal, with the topic coming up often in discussions around UFC 324.
Across social media, there were several comments from fans suggesting a doubling of bonuses to $100,000 would be reasonable given the scale of the new broadcast agreement.
The Sports Business Journal also highlighted that the UFC’s average media rights value had doubled by moving from ESPN over to Paramount+.
While many may feel it’s something that should have happened earlier, starting this era by increasing bonuses is a step in the right direction for fighters.
Category: General Sports
