Rampage Jackson Proposes $1 Million UFC Bonuses to Curb Boring Fights
Quinton “Rampage” Jackson has proposed a significant change in the UFC’s bonus structure to enhance fight excitement. His suggestion comes in light of UFC 321, an event criticized for its lack of thrilling fights and uneven performances.
Proposals for Improved Fight Excitement
Following UFC 321, where the main event was marred by a controversial eye poke, Jackson urged the UFC to increase the Fight of the Night bonus to $1 million. He emphasized that this financial incentive could drive fighters to produce more exciting bouts.
Recent Event Criticism
The UFC 321 card featured several matches that failed to capture fan interest. The heavyweight championship fight between Tom Aspinall and Ciryl Gane ended prematurely due to an accidental foul. Additionally, bouts like Mackenzie Dern against Virna Jandiroba and Umar Nurmagomedov versus Mario Bautista, while technically proficient, also lacked the excitement expected from high-profile matches.
Jackson pointed out that the UFC recently signed a lucrative six-year broadcasting deal worth $7.7 billion, which starts in 2026. Given this substantial financial gain, he believes the promotion can afford to raise bonuses significantly. Historically, fight night bonuses have remained around $50,000, with hopes of them doubling in the future.
Impact of Bonus Structure on Fighters
- Current bonuses are often insufficient to incentivize risky fighting styles.
- Many fighters on low-end contracts may lack motivation to engage in high-risk, high-reward fighting.
- Jackson argues that larger bonuses could enhance fighter performance and invigorate audience engagement.
Jackson noted that boosting the Fight of the Night bonus could generate more thrill for fans while also financially supporting those fighters who take risks during matches. He stated, “This is how you fix it.” His views highlight a broader debate in the MMA community about balancing entertainment with traditional approaches to winning.
In Closing
The suggestion made by Rampage Jackson resonates with many fans and commentators who desire more captivating events from the UFC. The call for a million-dollar bonus aims to reshape fighters’ priorities and reinvigorate the thrilling essence of mixed martial arts.
