UFC 324: Dana White hands out $450,000 in performance bonuses
(Courtesy : UFC)
Dana White’s newly restructured bonus system is here!
UFC 324 was more than just another fight night in Las Vegas. It marked the first live test of Dana White’s newly restructured bonus system and the results were immediate.
Fighters entered the Octagon knowing that finishes now carried real financial weight. By the end of the night, White distributed USD 450,000 in total bonuses, signaling a clear shift in how standout performances will be rewarded moving forward.
Dana White restructures UFC bonus system
Ahead of Saturday’s card, Dana White confirmed a significant overhaul to post-fight incentives. Previously, the UFC awarded $50,000 each to two Performance of the Night winners and two Fight of the Night participants.
That structure has now changed. Beginning with UFC 324, those bonuses were doubled to $100,000 each, meaning $400,000 is reserved for the four major awards alone. In addition, White introduced a new incentive: $25,000 for any fighter who scores a knockout or submission, barring special circumstances. The message was clear; finishes matter, and they will be paid accordingly.
UFC 324 starts with a new beginning
The impact of the new system was felt almost instantly. The early prelims delivered a string of stoppages, putting White on the hook for multiple knockout bonuses before the night had fully settled.
Ty Miller set the tone with a buzzer-beater knockout of Adam Fugitt. Josh Hokit followed with a walk-off finish of Denzel Freeman as the opening round expired won the performance bonus alongside Miller. Justin Gaethje and Paddy Pimblett each received $100,000 Fight of the Night bonuses.
Nikita Krylov later punctuated a dominant performance against Modestas Bukauskas with a decisive stoppage.
Those finishes ensured that the new $25,000 bonus was not theoretical, it was active and very real. While an early run of stoppages suggested a massive payout night, a stretch of decision victories slowed the momentum. Alex Perez, who missed weight, did not qualify for any bonus consideration, further stabilizing the total.
The only stoppage on the main card came in controversial fashion. Heavyweight Waldo Cortes-Acosta earned a knockout win over Derrick Lewis that drew immediate debate, with some labeling it a “phantom punch.”
Regardless of the optics, the result stood and the finish qualified under the new rules. By the end of the event, White confirmed that $400,000 would be distributed through two Performance of the Night bonuses and the Fight of the Night award, with additional knockout incentives bringing the total bonus payout to USD 450,000. UFC 324 did not deliver chaos from start to finish. But it did deliver clarity.
How much money did Dana White give out in bonuses at UFC 324?
A total of USD 450,000 was awarded.
What changed in the UFC bonus structure?
Fight of the Night and Performance of the Night bonuses increased to $100,000, with an added $25,000 bonus for knockouts or submissions.
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Blesson Daniel is a sub-editor who spends his days organizing words and managing social media, crafting bursts of creativity designed to make people smile. He occasionally dives into writing as well — whether it’s crafting articles, brainstorming ideas, or finding the perfect caption. Believing that every piece of writing offers an opportunity to tell a story, Blesson brings creativity and thoughtfulness to every project he takes on. When he’s not glued to his laptop, Blesson is likely planning his next travel adventure or losing himself in music. A passionate explorer of new places, sounds, and ideas, he believes in balancing work, play, and a good playlist in the background. Whether he’s editing, writing, or daydreaming about his next trip, Blesson is always chasing that sweet spot where creativity and curiosity collide to create something memorable.