Dana White likely didn’t anticipate this, but the MMA world is rallying for a change. Fans and fighters alike are already well aware of UFC’s long-standing reputation regarding fighter pay, which has been one of the sport’s biggest controversies. For example, high-profile fighters like Jake Paul have publicly criticized White for underpaying the roster while lavishing money on marquee names.  However, the UFC does not guarantee these bonuses, and it does not award them consistently, even when the performance is outstanding.

The issue resurfaced at UFC Vegas 111, where 155er star Chris Padilla stepped up to fight an opponent who missed weight by 5 pounds. Padilla remained undefeated and secured a knockout victory, yet he did not receive a bonus, sparking outrage among fans and analysts. Following the fight, during the post-fight press conference, Padilla made a heartfelt appeal.

Chris Padilla pleaded with Dana White & UFC after his fight, saying, “I need that 50 Gs so I can help my mama, man. I don’t really care about my performance. I love it, but those are the most important things right now,” explaining that he needs the money to support his family. On the same card, welterweight contender Uros Medic faced a similar situation, yet neither fighter received a bonus, sparking outrage in the MMA community.

In response, Daniel Rubenstein, founder of Ruby Sports and Entertainment, took to X to call for a “guaranteed finish bonus,” for every fighter on the roster: “The POTN and FOTN are arbitrary at best and there’s no argument you can have for one guy or the other. A finish is a finish and that’s what fans want.”

Daniel Rubenstein’s company manages top fighters such as Merab Dvalishvili and Dricus du Plessis, both prominent names in the promotion. The proposal has ignited widespread online discussion and is being hailed by many as a potential game-changer for fighter pay. Although it remains uncertain whether the UFC will implement the idea, fans on social media have already voiced strong support for the change.

UFC Fans “100% agree” with Merab Dvalishvili and Dricus Du Plessis’ manager

Industry support quickly rallied behind Daniel Rubenstein, whose idea could shake up fighter compensation. Even ESPN analyst Ian Parker weighed in, saying, “Absolutely spot on.” At the same time, the UFC is facing a betting scandal. Two weeks ago at UFC Vegas 110, featherweight fighter Isaac Dulgarian came under FBI scrutiny for allegedly throwing a fight, with his betting line shifting dramatically. This incident highlighted the financial pressures some fighters face.

UFC British star Nathaniel Wood noted that lower pay can push fighters to seek alternative ways to earn, while UFC veteran Cub Swanson also supported Rubenstein’s proposal, writing “💯% agree.” Fans have chimed in with suggestions to refine the idea. One proposed, “20k flat for a finish and just do fight of the night bonus at 100k to incentivize not being up on rounds and just running.” The concept could push fighters to go all-out for finishes, making fights far more exciting. Even fighters like Merab Dvalishvili, who typically rely on control, might change their approach.

A fan commented, “Guaranteed finish bonus will make the game much more interesting, like wrestlers won’t just rely on stalling opponents to win rounds and especially prelims will be so much more fun.” Another added, “This is the best stance on this by far incentivizing finishes guaranteed = more viewers and more exciting fights.” Despite widespread support from fans and critics, it remains unclear whether Dana White & Co. will implement the change.

UFC has experimented with similar approaches in the past—at UFC Austin and UFC London in 2022, all finishers earned $50k payouts. However, Dana White has previously indicated he is unlikely to make it permanent, saying in 2021, “Probably not. (It will) seriously f—k up our budget.”

Stay tuned for further updates.