The Paramount-era performance bonuses have recently come into effect, with four fighters reaping the rewards, including UFC 324 headliners Justin Gaethje and Paddy Pimblett, who have cashed in on the enhanced bonus checks.
With the new Paramount broadcast deal, the traditional Fight of the Night (FOTN) and Performance of the Night (POTN) bonuses have been doubled, with winners now pocketing a hefty $100,000. On top of that, an extra $25,000 incentive is also up for grabs for each fighter who secures a finish.
In the highly-anticipated main event of UFC 324, Gaethje and Pimblett engaged in a thrilling slugfest that kept fans on the edge of their seats. While Pimblett displayed immense heart and resilience throughout the five rounds, it was Gaethje who dominated the fight from beginning to end. ‘The Highlight’ scored three knockdowns en route to a unanimous decision victory.
The POTN bonuses for this event were awarded to heavyweight Josh Hokit and welterweight contender Ty Miller. Miller, making his UFC debut, delivered a first-round knockout over Adam Fugitt. Meanwhile, Hokit secured his second win in the promotion by overwhelming Denzel Freeman, prompting the referee to stop the fight after the first round. Both fighters will be taking home an extra $100,000 in addition to their regular pay.
Additionally, Waldo Cortes-Acosta and Nikita Krylov also received $25,000 each for their performances. Cortes-Acosta scored a second-round knockout against heavyweight contender Derrick Lewis, while Krylov finished Modestas Bukauskas in the third round of their preliminary card bout.
UFC 324 turned out to be a lucrative night for the promotion, as the event reportedly generated an impressive live gate of $11 million with 19,481 fans in attendance. According to reports, these figures rank UFC 324 as the eighth-highest-grossing event ever held at the T-Mobile Arena.
Elsewhere on the fight card, Sean O’Malley emerged victorious against the No.5-ranked bantamweight contender Song Yadong, while women’s flyweight contender Natalia Silva secured a unanimous decision win over Rose Namajunas after a hard-fought battle.
In conclusion, UFC 324 showcased thrilling matchups and impressive performances, with fighters reaping the rewards of their hard work and dedication in the octagon. The increased bonuses have added an extra level of excitement to the already exhilarating world of MMA.
