UFC begins doubling performance bonuses, starting with UFC 324

As the UFC begins a new era and lucrative partnership, the promotion appears ready to up the ante for its fighters.

President and CEO will reportedly double performances and has even added a new post-card incentive, the Sports Business Journal first reported on Saturday.

The UFC's much-anticipated first numbered event of the year — and first since signing a rights deal with media giant Paramount Skydance — will see the typical $200,000 in bonuses divied out raised up to at least $400,000.

Fighters who participated in what the UFC brass deem the "Fight of the Night" will each receive $100,000 and the two best individual performers will also be awarded $100,000.

The UFC has also added a new $25,000 bonus given to any fighter who knocks out or submits an opponent, but wasn't selected for the fight of the night or performance of the night bonuses.

White has opted to raise bonuses sporadically in the past, like increasing the total to $300,000 in celebration of UFC 300 two years ago, but Saturday's news marks the first sustained increase to the post-fight incentives.

And the new bonus system will reportedly take effect right away, starting with UFC 324 on Saturday.

Potentially auspicious timing for Justin Gaethje, who'll be headlining the event at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas alongside Paddy Pimblett, and also made recent comments expressing frustration about fighter pay.

"I'm not getting $1 more than if this deal never happened," Gaethje said of the UFC's partnership with Paramount that'll see the promotion paid $1.1 billion through 2031.

"To have (earned) 14 bonuses and not have it equal to ($1 million) isn't right."

And while there's no telling if Gaethje is satisfied with the new bonus structure, should he see his hand raised and the interim lightweight belt wrapped around his waist by the end of the night on Saturday, a potential 15th bonus, now worth double, ought to sweeten things at least a little.