Do Both Fighters Get Money for Fight of the Night? The Definitive Answer

Yes, generally, both fighters in a “Fight of the Night” performance receive the bonus. The awarding of these bonuses, however, isn’t always a cut-and-dried affair, and several factors come into play.

Understanding Fight Night Bonuses

Fight Night bonuses, awarded by promotions like the UFC, Bellator, and others, are essentially performance-based incentives. They’re a way to reward fighters who put on exceptionally entertaining and competitive bouts. The “Fight of the Night” bonus, as the name suggests, is given to the two fighters whose match is deemed the most exciting and memorable on a given fight card.

How the Bonus is Determined

Typically, after all the fights have concluded, promotion executives (like Dana White in the UFC**) gather to review the performances. They consider factors such as:

• Excitement Level: How many exciting exchanges, knockdowns, and submission attempts were there?
• Technical Skill: Was the fight a display of high-level technique and strategy?
• Pace and Intensity: Did the fighters maintain a high pace throughout the fight?
• Competitive Balance: Was the fight closely contested and back-and-forth?
• Overall Entertainment Value: Did the fight captivate the audience?

While these are the general guidelines, the final decision is often subjective and can sometimes raise eyebrows. It’s not uncommon for fans and analysts to debate whether the “right” fight was chosen.

The Bonus Structure

The amount awarded for Fight of the Night bonuses varies depending on the promotion and the specific event. In the UFC, for example, the bonus is often $50,000 per fighter, but it can sometimes be higher for special events or if the promotion wants to make a statement. Other organizations like Bellator or smaller regional promotions may offer lower amounts. Crucially, this bonus is in addition to the fighter’s contracted purse.

Contingencies and Considerations

While the general rule is both fighters receive the bonus, there are a few exceptions and considerations:

• Disqualification: If a fighter is disqualified due to an illegal action (e.g., illegal blow, blatant rule violation), they may forfeit their eligibility for the bonus.
• No Contest: If a fight is ruled a “No Contest” (e.g., due to an accidental foul that renders a fighter unable to continue), the awarding of the bonus can become more ambiguous. In some cases, the promotion might still award the bonus to both fighters, while in others, they may decide not to award it at all, or potentially award performance bonuses in other categories.
• Individual Performance Bonuses: Promotions often award “Performance of the Night” bonuses to fighters who deliver exceptional knockouts or submissions. In some instances, a fighter might receive a “Performance of the Night” bonus instead of a share of the “Fight of the Night” bonus, especially if their fight was deemed significantly more impressive than others.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What happens if a fight ends in a draw? Do both fighters still get the Fight of the Night bonus?

Generally, yes. A draw doesn’t disqualify a fight from being considered for Fight of the Night. If the fight was exceptionally exciting and closely contested, both fighters would likely still receive the bonus.

2. Can a fighter win more than one bonus in a single night?

Yes, but it’s rare. A fighter can potentially win both “Fight of the Night” and “Performance of the Night” if their fight was exceptionally exciting and they delivered a highlight-reel finish.

3. Do fighters who lose the Fight of the Night still get paid the bonus?

Absolutely. The bonus is awarded based on the entertainment value and competitiveness of the fight, not solely on the outcome. A fighter who loses an incredibly exciting war is just as likely to receive the bonus as the victor.

4. Is the Fight of the Night bonus guaranteed?

No. The awarding of bonuses is discretionary. If the promotion feels that no fight on the card met the criteria for “Fight of the Night,” they are not obligated to award the bonus. This is exceptionally rare but has happened.

5. Do smaller promotions also offer Fight of the Night bonuses?

Yes, many smaller promotions do offer Fight of the Night bonuses, though the amounts are typically significantly lower than those offered by major organizations like the UFC or Bellator. It’s a common way to incentivize exciting fights even at the regional level.

6. Are there any weight class biases in awarding Fight of the Night bonuses?

While there’s no official policy, some argue that lighter weight classes are often favored for Fight of the Night awards due to their typically faster pace and higher volume of strikes. However, exciting fights can happen in any weight class, and heavyweights have certainly won their fair share of bonuses.

7. What is the history of Fight Night bonuses? When did they start?

Performance-based bonuses have been a part of combat sports for a long time, though the specific “Fight of the Night” concept evolved over time. The UFC formally introduced standardized bonuses around 2005, aiming to reward exciting fights and incentivize fighters to take risks. Other promotions soon followed suit.

8. Are Fight Night bonuses taxed?

Yes. Like all income, Fight Night bonuses are subject to taxation. Fighters are responsible for reporting their bonus income to the relevant tax authorities.

9. Do fighters have to pass drug tests to receive their Fight Night bonus?

Yes. Failing a drug test after a fight can result in the forfeiture of any bonuses earned, including the Fight of the Night bonus. This is a standard clause in most fight contracts.

10. Can fans influence the decision for Fight of the Night?

While fan opinion doesn’t directly dictate the bonus awards, promotions are keenly aware of what their audience wants. A fight that generates significant buzz and excitement on social media may be more likely to be considered for Fight of the Night. Ultimately, the official decision rests with the promotion’s executives.

11. What if a fighter pulls out of the fight last minute? Does the other fighter still receive the potential bonus?

If a fighter pulls out of a fight late, the other fighter will typically receive a portion of their show money (the contracted amount they are guaranteed to be paid for showing up), but they would not be eligible for a Fight of the Night bonus since no fight occurred.

12. Are these bonuses guaranteed in a fighter’s contract?

No, Fight of the Night bonuses are not usually guaranteed in a fighter’s contract. They are awarded at the discretion of the promotion based on the performance of the fight. This is different from a fighter’s base pay (“show money”) and potential win bonus, which are stipulated in their contract. The possibility of earning these discretionary bonuses adds another layer of incentive and excitement to each fight.