Dana White is NOT happy with the UFC 304 roster.
The UFC president increased the performance bonus for UFC 304 from the standard $50,000 to an impressive $100,000, aiming to incentivize more knockouts, submissions, and electrifying action. However, Dana’s hopes were dashed as 9 out of the 14 fights on the card went to a decision, including the welterweight title bout between Leon Edwards and Belal Muhammad, which headlined the event in Manchester, England.
During the UFC 304 press conference, Dana White announced that he will never raise the performance bonus again, stating that it simply doesn’t work.
“Upping them (bonuses) doesn’t change anything, it doesn’t make anybody fight any harder,” Dana said. “I’m not doing this again, ever. Today was the last day I’m doing that.”
Only three fighters earned bonuses at UFC 304, with Paddy Pimblett claiming two. Pimblett secured both the Performance of the Night and Submission of the Night bonuses for his first-round finish of Bobby Green.
Additionally, heavyweights Tom Aspinall and Mick Parkin won Performance of the Night bonuses for their first-round knockouts. The Fight of the Night bonus went unawarded, although it could have easily been given to Muhammad and Edwards, who delivered a fairly impressive main event.
Fighter pay has been a longstanding issue in the UFC. Many fans and critics believe that Dana White doesn’t pay his athletes fairly. With the ongoing legal issues surrounding the UFC, this matter is likely to face even more scrutiny.
What do you make of Dana White’s comments?
