When the UFC made the jump from ESPN to Paramount at the start of 2026, it was announced that the promotion would be upgrading their post-fight bonus structure. Post-fight bonuses, it was revealed, would jump from $50,000 to $100,000. At the same time, the promotion also announced that it would be handing out $25,000 bonuses to any fighter who scored a finish in the Octagon.
It was — and still is — good news for fighters. However, it’s not quite as good as initially believed.
At first, the widespread understanding was that a fighter could score a $100,000 bonus for Fight or Performance of the Night and an additional $25,000 if they finished their fight. However, according to veteran MMA journalist Ariel Helwani, that’s not the case.
Speaking on X, Helwani reported that fighters can effectively only take home one bonus or the other. For example, if you score a Performance of the Night bonus for a stunning knockout win, you will receive the corresponding $100,000 prize, but not the $25,000 finish bonus.
UFC fighters can’t receive performance bonus and finish bonus for one fight
“After speaking to multiple sources here’s clarity on the bonuses,” Helwani wrote. “If you score a finish (worth $25k) and, say, a performance bonus (worth $100k), you get $100k not 125k. I think many of us, including me, assumed the latter. It’s basically the greater of two bonuses.
“If you win a fight of the night bonus (worth $100k) and score a finish and earn a performance bonus, too, you get $200k not $225,” he added.
Based on the replies to Helwani’s post, a whole lot of know-it-alls were already up to speed on this. However, many UFC fans — and surely some fighters — will be glad for the clarification, even if it’s not great news.
He should talk about pvv points
The ufc is such a bullshit dog and pony show these days. I cant believe the sport I grew up loving and gave most my life too is like this now.