Dana White guarantees increased bonuses after billion-dollar deal. Photo: Reproduction/UFC
The UFC's economic upswing will affect its fighters. Since the billion-dollar broadcast rights deal was announced last Monday (11), the MMA world has been speculating about the impact of the large influx of cash into the organization's coffers on the lives of fighters and other aspects of the sport's development. Without any clear definitions regarding the contract, which comes into effect in 2026, the company's CEO guarantees advantages for its athletes.
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The UFC has announced a historic deal to broadcast its events in the United States. Starting in 2026, the organization will be exclusively streamed on Paramount+, in a seven-year contract valued at US$7,7 billion (approximately R$42 billion). The package includes all 43 annual events, including numbered cards and Fight Nights, and marks the end of the pay-per-view model currently used by ESPN. Under the new format, all Paramount+ subscribers will have full access to the UFC calendar at no additional cost. Some events will also be broadcast on CBS, a major television network in the US.
At the premiere of the 2025 Dana White Contender Series season, the UFC boss was bombarded with questions during the press conference about the big news. Regarding the fighters' reality, one guaranteed gain will be increased bonuses, according to Dana.
"Listen, I'm not going to comment on this because we still need to get together and figure it out. It's August, we have until January to figure it out. But what's the easiest answer? Bonuses are obviously increasing. So, this is going to be important. Forget about the rising tide with all the other fighters, the value that bonuses alone bring to a fighter is already millions of dollars," Dana White said during the press conference.
Current UFC bonus system
The standard bonus for UFC fighters today is US$50 (almost R$270 at the current exchange rate). This includes two performance bonuses per event and an additional US$50 for each Fight of the Night participant. The organization has increased this amount on rare special occasions.
Brazilians criticized by Dana White on DWCS
Dana White harshly criticized the Brazilians at the Contender Series. Photo: Reproduction/UFC
In the first episode of the Dana White Contender Series that took place this Tuesday (12), the company leader showed that he was frustrated with the performances of those chosen, especially the Brazilians. Radley da Silva did not please.
"It was a weird night (...) Radley, I don't know if you've seen the show or not, but this is not how you get into the UFC. When I watched your interview afterward, you didn't seem very excited, expecting me to tell you you deserved to be in the UFC. The good news is you're 8-1, go out there, win some fights, and maybe we'll see you again. But next time, show up for the Contender Series," Dana said.
The other Brazilian on the card also didn't impress. Neemias Santan was no slouch, and he was the target of harsh remarks from the UFC CEO.
"In that last fight, Santana thought it was 1993 and simply headbutted his opponent in the face. Someone behind me was yelling for Ilian to fight instead of just standing there (without much action). But he didn't fight; after the headbutt, he didn't do anything. Santana yelled a lot, and for a guy who lost a point, I think he should have come and tried to end the fight. He did nothing after the headbutt. The referee who scored it 30-26 (for Bouafia) is insane. The fight was a draw, strange, and I'm not interested in either of these guys. Get back to winning ways, and maybe we'll see each other again," he concluded.
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