Dana White Gives Boxers 100% Increase In Performance Bonus Compared to UFC Fighters

UFC head honcho Dana White reveals performance and fight of the night bonuses for fighters on the Canelo vs Crawford undercard.

Dana White Gives Boxers 100% Increase In Performance Bonus Compared to UFC Fighters

Dana White announces bonuses for boxers (via MARCA)

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In the world of combat sports, the most minor details often make the biggest headlines. And ahead of a blockbuster event, those little details can sometimes shift the entire atmosphere of the night. This is precisely what happened when UFC CEO Dana White announced performance of the night and fight of the night bonuses for the fighters on the Canelo Alvarez vs Terence Crawford undercard.

This announcement also shows White’s influence bleeding deeper into boxing. By borrowing directly from UFC’s bonus structure, he’s importing a proven model of motivation. The UFC CEO’s plans for boxing are becoming clearer day by day, as he aims to revolutionize the sport, just as he did with the UFC. However, the announcement also reignites the controversy surrounding UFC fighter pay.

White is on managerial duties for the upcoming superfight between Alvarez and Crawford, thanks to the partnership between Saudi Arabia’s Turki Alalshikh and TKO Group. He made the announcement regarding the bonuses on The Stephen A. Smith Show, which Stephen A. Smith hosts as a sports analyst. White also revealed that he had not had the opportunity to announce the plan at the press conference.

The opportunity wasn’t there at the press conference, so I will announce it right here. On the undercard fights, we are going to have a performance of the night and a fight of the night. $100,000 each for the fighters on the undercard from Sheikh Turki. So you can be involved in the performance of the night and the fight of the night, and take home $200,000 for these undercard fighters.

Dana White via The Stephen A Smith Show

At a structural level, this bonus system could reshape how boxing undercards are approached globally. Traditionally, boxing has relied heavily on the main event to generate fan interest, with supporting bouts often offering little more than exposure and incremental career advancement. With significant financial rewards now tied to performance, undercard fighters are incentivized to deliver memorable contests.

The Alvarez-Crawford undercard features a mix of rising stars and title hopefuls. On the main card, Callum Walsh fought Fernando Vargas Jr., and the WBC interim super-middleweight title Christian Mbilli defended against Lester Martínez, and Mohammed Alakel took on John Ornelas to kick start the main card.

The announcement also carries a certain irony when viewed through the lens of debates over UFC fighter pay. For years, many MMA athletes have voiced frustrations about not earning enough despite competing at the highest level. Seeing boxing undercard fighters now offered $100K incentives, there will undoubtedly be backlash from White’s very own promotion.

Throwback: Terence Crawford weighs in on Dana White’s UFC Fighter Pay controversy

For years, Dana White has faced questions about how fighters under his promotion are compensated. From the base pay structure in the UFC to the reliance on post-fight bonuses, the debate around fighter earnings has followed him at every turn. Many fighters and personalities, such as Jake Paul, have questioned the CEO regarding the low pay structure. However, White has always defended these claims.

Terence Crawford calls out Dana White's pay structure
Terence Crawford calls out Dana White’s pay structure (via Boxing news)

Just last year, Terence “Bud” Crawford openly mocked the UFC’s fighter pay structure, pointing out how MMA athletes often have to rely on small post-fight bonuses to supplement their earnings. In an episode of The Joe Rogan Experience, Crawford questioned the pay structure and asked UFC commentator and podcaster Joe Rogan why it differs from boxing.

Man, ya’ll go through a lot, the MMA dudes, man. $ 5,000 to show up, $ 5,000 to win. I’m just saying that’s how it is in the UFC too, they be getting a little more money but they do the same thing like $20,000. So they be fighting their (expletive) off to get that bonus. Why don’t they just change it to like boxing, like a flat purse? Boxers man win, lose, or draw, we are getting the X amount that’s on the contract.

Terence Crawford via The Joe Rogan Experience

Now, he finds himself headlining a card where those very same bonus systems are being implemented under Dana White’s direction. Crawford, who was a critic of the UFC’s fighter pay model, is now indirectly endorsing it by attaching his name to an event built around those mechanics. In the end, what Crawford once ridiculed has become part of the very stage on which his biggest fight would take place.

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