Why Raising Performance Bonuses in the MMA Is a Good Thing?
It has been eight years since the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) last raised performance bonuses for its competitions, and the fact that it’s finally happening on the occasion of UFC 262 is an important step forward. The UFC has been able to dominate the highest echelons of MMA and attract the biggest ad revenue and viewership interest.
In fact, it’s safe to say that the sport has been able to secure some of the best sports betting opportunities, which you can explore at www.gg.bet/en/betting-sports. Beyond that, though, recognizing the efforts that have gone in building the organization through the blood, sweat, and effort of its fighters is the most important milestone.
Moving forward, though, performance bonuses will be worth up to $75,000, raising a previous cap from $50,000, which is a great way to show at least some token of appreciation to the fighters who have literally built the organizations.
Exploring the Bonusing System in UFC
Today, UFC fighters are eligible for two specific bonuses. One is titled the “Performance of the Night” bonus, and the other one is “Fight of the Night.” However, fighters seldom can claim both bonuses in a single night. In fact, it’s safe to say that this is almost impossible as it requires you to be the main ticket and also make the most impressive finish.
Some fighters, though, have been consistently able to get this bonus, but overall, the MMA is not a place where bonusing systems are easily received. Then again, there is the fact that bonuses used to vary a lot. A bonus could hit as little as $25,000 and go all the way up to $160,000 – the latter definitely isn’t bad.
However, the UFC decided to implement the cap. And while the bonus cap stood fairly low at $50,000, it was Tony Ferguson who asked for a raise during the UFC 262 press conference and guesses what? His dissatisfaction with the bonusing system in the UFC did strike home, and the bonus cap raise was implemented ahead of his fight with Benelli Dariush during the weekend.
However, UFC officials may opt to stick with the bonus performance cap bump to the weekend’s event and not apply it for anything outside the Tony Ferguson fight night. That might be a bit unfair, but the good news is that fighters can do what they do best – fight for their rights.
Are UFC Fighters Underpaid?
This naturally brings us to the next question – are UFC fighters underpaid? It really depends on how big you are in the fighting community. The consensus is that they are not underpaid, however, and that is good news.