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Former UFC Title Contender Mocks Dana White's Latest Promise To Fighters

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Kevin Binoy | Last updated Aug 18, 2025 4:17 PM ET

When it comes to fighter pay in the UFC, the bonus system has always been a hot topic. For years, fans, fighters, and critics alike have pointed out how the extra cash handed out on fight nights hasn’t really kept up with the times. So when news broke about the UFC landing a massive $7.7 billion streaming rights deal, the natural assumption was that fighters would finally see a boost in their bonuses.

Dana White even confirmed that, yes, payouts would be going up. But not everyone’s convinced this is the big win it sounds like. In fact, one former title contender has already thrown shade at the promise, suggesting the increase won’t be anything to get too excited about.

The fighter throwing cold water on Dana’s promise? None other than Paulo Costa yes, Mr. “Secret Juice” himself. Costa joined Ariel Helwani on his podcast recently, and when the topic of the UFC’s new mega deal came up, Helwani asked if he thought that meant bigger bonuses for fighters. Costa’s reaction made it clear he wasn’t exactly buying into the hype.

"Maybe they're going to raise the bonuses by $500.

$50,500 and a Venom bag." - @BorrachinhaMMA pic.twitter.com/hbHnfRucUN
— Ariel Helwani (@arielhelwani) August 18, 2025

He said, “I don’t know, I don’t know, I wish. Maybe they're going to raise the bonuses by $500. $50,500 and a Venom bag.”

What Did Dana White Say About Bonuses Being Increased?

The UFC’s massive new media rights deal with Paramount+ was announced last week, and Dana White has already given fighters something to smile about — bigger post-fight bonuses are on the way.

Speaking at a Contender Series presser, the UFC boss made it clear that once the new agreement kicks in come 2026, fighters can expect fatter checks. “The easy one? Bonuses are obviously going up,” White said, calling it a no-brainer. Right now, the UFC dishes out two $50k Performance of the Night bonuses and one $50k Fight of the Night, with the occasional bump, but White hinted the new numbers could mean millions for fighters over time.

The seven-year deal will see Paramount+ stream 13 big numbered cards and 30 Fight Nights every year, moving away from the old-school PPV model. That shift could affect fighter pay, especially champs used to getting PPV points, but White insists there’s still time to figure out the details. For now, he says it’s about delivering and making sure the UFC lives up to the investment.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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