UFC is the world’s largest MMA promotion that produces events that showcase 11 weight divisions. Since its first event in 1993, UFC has continued to evolve in how it compensates its fighters.
Characters like Conor McGregor, whose earnings had hit $25.3 million by 2023, have continued to benefit from the promotion’s dynamic compensation structure. Read on to discover how more fighters are benefiting from this dynamic structure.
Generous Bonuses: Common in Business
Bonuses in business have a rich and varied history, evolving alongside economic, cultural, and organizational changes. For example, F.W. Woolworth Company, the first to use cash bonuses in 1899, gave employees $5 yearly. Over the years, the use of bonuses has continued to evolve as businesses use them to not only reward employees but also engage customers. This has become common in many industries, including entertainment sectors like film and iGaming.
In the film industry, streaming platforms like Netflix use bonuses such as free trials, promotional discounts, or exclusive content to entice subscribers. In iGaming, especially in the casino industry, online casinos are famous for offering bonuses like free spins, no-deposit, matching deposit bonuses, and many more. According to BonusFinder, many online casinos use these bonuses, especially the no-deposit perk, since it allows players to participate without depositing money.
In UFC, four fighters will often be awarded separate cash bonuses after each event, based on agreements by the UFC management. The common bonus awards often comprise Fight of the Night, Knockout of the Night, Submission of the Night, and Performance of the Night. During the UFC Fight Night 236, four fighters, including Bogdan Guskov, Carlos Prates, Rodolfo Vieira, and Dan Ige, each received an extra $50,000 for their stellar performances.
UFC’s Varying Paygrades: Experience Matters
UFC’s base pay can vary depending on a fighter’s performance, ability to draw multitudes, and marketability. The lowest paid can get $10,000 to $30,000, usually for new fighters. However, the pay may get bigger if the fighter is famous or has an unmatched historical record with a previous company. Mid-level athletes can get between $80,000 and $250,000.
Superstars like Conor McGregor, who draw big pay-per-view numbers, receive up to $500,000 to $3 million. After facing off against Khabib Nurmagomedov, McGregor received $3 million directly from UFC. In another contest in January 2020, he fought against Donald Cerrone and earned $80 million, inclusive of the base pay and other earnings.
Besides standard pay and bonuses, athletes can earn through brand deals, sponsorships, and businesses. The pay-per-view (PPV) compensation is also a lucrative way UFC appreciates its fighters. For example, McGregor earned $3 million as standard pay and an extra $3.1 million from the PPV points in a match that sold approximately 1,650,000 PPV tickets.
Conclusion: New Fighters Are Inspired
When new fighters sign up with UFC, they will find inspiring rewards that challenge them to reach new heights in their career pursuits. These rewards are the reasons why famous characters like Conor McGregor have continued to grow their net worth. As UFC’s compensation structure evolves, we will likely see more fighters making significant gains from the organization.
