Rampage Jackson Urges UFC To Raise Fight Bonuses To $1 Million Amid Paramount Deal

Quinton "Rampage" Jackson, former UFC light heavyweight champion, has called for the UFC to increase its "Fight of the Night" bonuses to $1 million to incentivize fighters to deliver more exciting fights. His comments follow widespread criticism of UFC 321, which featured a record 60 takedowns but was criticized for lacking standup action and exciting moments, culminating in a no-contest main event due to an eye poke. Jackson argues that with the UFC's upcoming $7.7 billion broadcast deal with Paramount+, the promotion can afford to substantially boost bonuses, motivating fighters to take more risks instead of relying on ground control. Other fighters, including TJ Dillashaw and Bobby Green, have also expressed support for increasing bonuses, though to lesser amounts. The debate highlights ongoing tensions between entertainment value and fight strategy in the UFC, with fans and fighters suggesting that higher financial rewards could shift the focus back to more dynamic, crowd-pleasing performances. UFC CEO Dana White has hinted that bonuses might increase, but the scale and impact remain to be seen.