In addition to being paid a fixed amount to show and another, usually equal amount to win, each UFC event also awards four $50,000 Performance Bonuses. Usually, there is a Fight of the Night in which both fighters are given a performance bonus, and a performance bonus to the winner in two fights. “Performance Bonus” means the fight made you say “HOLY F@$%ING $#!@.”
This was that at UFC on ESPN+ 16 in Vancouver, BC:
$50,000 Fight of the Night
•Tristan Connelly defeated Michel Pereira by Unanimous Decision (29-28, 29-27, 29-27)
https://twitter.com/i/events/1173057122377953280
Note: Because Pereira missed weight, Connelly was awarded both $50,000 bonuses.
https://twitter.com/chosen1twood/status/1173076180485820416
$50,000 Performance Bonus:
•Justin Gaethje defeated Donald Cerrone by TKO (Strikes, Round 1, 4:18)
Friends 'til the end! #UFCVancouver pic.twitter.com/cXkLzA8sn0
— UFC (@ufc) September 15, 2019
$50,000 Performance Bonus:
•Misha Cirkunov defeated Jim Crute by Submission (Peruvian Necktie, Round 1, 3:38)
Look at this beaut, @kporzee. pic.twitter.com/oUq5M7e35X
— Ariel Helwani (@arielhelwani) September 15, 2019
One of the differences between boxing and MMA is that in big boxing events, only the main event is the draw. In Vancouver, however, was the exception, with all bonuses going to main card fights.
In addition, to the bonuses and purses, there are:
•Reebok pay, based on tenure, for wearing the distinctive apparel during fight week and in the Octagon;
•Sometimes fighters get discretionary locker room bonuses of varying amounts; despite their name, locker room bonuses actually come in the mail now;
•In some cases there is an LOA [Letter of Agreement] on the contract for additional income; and,
•The most elite fighters get points on the pay per view for PPV events, although this event was on ESPN+, not PPV.
The next league event is UFC on ESPN+ 17 on September 21, 2019 at Mexico City Arena in Mexico City, Mexico.
