In an unprecedented move, UFC President Dana White and the UFC brass increased the performance bonuses for UFC 262. Company officials confirmed to ESPN that $75,000 will be on the line as a bonus as compared to the $50,000 standard. Combate’s Raphael Marinho was the first to report on the situation that has got everyone talking.
Chiefly, Tony Ferguson played a pivotal part in seeing that the bonuses were increased as he asked Dana White to do so at the presser. While White didn’t commit to anything at the moment, it’s clear that Ferguson’s words had an impact. The bump-up is quite significant especially when considering that the UFC hasn’t budged in the past.
The #UFC262 performances bonuses will be $75,000 on Saturday night, UFC officials confirmed with ESPN. They are usually $50,000. Tony Ferguson asked at the press conference yesterday and he apparently received. @raphamarinho was first to report.
— Marc Raimondi (@marc_raimondi) May 14, 2021
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It’s unclear whether the increase in performance bonus totals will carry forward past UFC 262. Fighters all across the roster will certainly be hopeful. However, as it stands, it appears to be a move directly in response to Tony Ferguson’s request.
Also Read: Tony Ferguson Reveals Who Will Be in his Corner for UFC 262
UFC 262 bonus round-up: Who walks away with the bag?
The aforementioned fight card is unique in that most of the match-ups across the board are pick-em’ fights. One such close contest is a featherweight bout between Shane Burgos and Edson Barboza to open out the main card. The scrap is a stylistic banger and fans have already ordained it as a lock for ‘Fight of the Night’.
BURGOS vs BARBOZA! #UFC262 is LIVE TOMORROW on @espn+ PPV! pic.twitter.com/HPJJIfBK5G
— danawhite (@danawhite) May 14, 2021
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Some other fighters to look out for are Kevin Aguilar, Christos Giagos, Lando Vannata, and Tony Ferguson. Looking across the resumes of these athletes it’s clear they have a penchant for violence and not to mention, performance bonuses. What’s more, the aforementioned fighters tend to bring out the violent streak in their opponents making it a fun night for fans.
The main event fighters in Charles Oliveira and Michael Chandler are also obvious front runners to clinch the performance checks. Both ‘Do Bronx’ and ‘Iron’ are arguably the two most technical fighters on the card. Their contest will make for an exciting chess match. Furthermore, the UFC lightweight belt being on the line will serve as a further incentive to leave it all on the line.
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