UFC 300, held on April 13, 2024, at the T-Mobile Arena in Paradise, Nevada, wasn’t just a milestone event (being the organization’s 28th at that venue); it was a night of show stopping performances that had fans buzzing. While the main and co-main card featured championship bouts, it was the undercard that truly stole the show, thanks in part to the fighters who earned the coveted post-fight bonus awards.

This article dives deep into the recipients of the UFC 300 bonus awards, exploring their performances and the criteria considered for each honor.

Understanding the UFC Bonus Awards

The UFC awards three different post-fight bonuses to recognize fighters who deliver exceptional performances. These bonuses, each worth a cool $300,000, are:

Fight of the Night: This award goes to the two fighters who put on the most thrilling and action-packed bout of the evening.

Knockout of the Night: This award is reserved for the fighter who lands the most impressive knockout or technical knockout (TKO) during the event.

Performance of the Night (x2): Unlike the other two awards, this category can have two recipients. It recognizes fighters who deliver outstanding performances, regardless of the fight’s outcome.

These bonuses serve a dual purpose: they reward fighters who put on a show, and they incentivize exciting fighting styles that keep fans engaged.

UFC 300 Bonus Award Winners: A Night of Unexpected Delights

UFC 300 defied expectations when it came to the bonus awards. While some fans might have predicted accolades for the main or co-main event fighters, the night belonged to the undercard. Let’s meet the champions of the evening:

Performance of the Night (x2):

Jiri Prochazka: This award might have come as a surprise to some, considering Prochazka wasn’t even competing at UFC 300. However, the award recognized his incredible performance at UFC 295, where he captured the vacant Light Heavyweight Championship against Alex Pereira (who would go on to headline UFC 300). Prochazka’s dominant win, which showcased his unorthodox yet effective fighting style, earned him a well-deserved bonus even though he wasn’t physically present at UFC 300.

Max Holloway: The former UFC Featherweight Champion reminded everyone why he’s a legend with a phenomenal performance. Holloway’s fight against Justin Gaethje was a back-and-forth war, with both fighters showcasing incredible heart and resilience. While the fight ultimately went the distance (a decision win for Holloway), it was a clear contender for Fight of the Night. However, Holloway’s impressive display earned him a separate Performance of the Night bonus, much to the delight of fans. Notably, this double-dip meant Holloway took home a staggering $600,000 for his efforts.

Knockout of the Night: This award remained unclaimed at UFC 300. There were knockouts on the card, but none were deemed spectacular enough to warrant the prestigious Knockout of the Night distinction.

While the lack of a Knockout of the Night winner might be a slight disappointment, the performances of Prochazka and Holloway more than made up for it. Their fights had fans glued to their screens and served as a testament to the ever-evolving skill and athleticism within the UFC.

What Goes into Choosing the Bonus Award Winners?

The UFC employs a team of veteran journalists, retired fighters, and UFC officials to determine the bonus award recipients. These individuals take several factors into account when making their decisions, including:

The overall fight quality: This encompasses factors like the number of significant strikes landed, takedown attempts, scrambles, and overall fight strategy.

The entertainment value: Did the fight keep the audience on the edge of their seats? Did it feature unexpected twists and turns?

The dominance displayed: Did one fighter clearly control the pace and outcome of the fight?

The impact of the fight: Did the fight have significant implications for the fighters’ careers or the rankings within a particular weight class?

While the criteria might seem straightforward, there’s always an element of subjectivity involved in the selection process. Ultimately, the goal is to reward fighters who truly embody the spirit of the UFC – those who deliver action-packed fights and showcase exceptional skills.

FAQ’S

What are UFC post-fight bonuses?

The UFC awards bonuses to fighters for exceptional performances on the fight night. These bonuses are separate from the fighters’ fight purses and serve as an additional way to recognize outstanding displays of skill and grit. There are typically three categories for bonuses:

Performance of the Night (POTN): Awarded to two fighters who deliver the most exciting and impressive performances, regardless of the outcome (win or lose).

Knockout of the Night (KOOTN): Awarded to the fighter who lands the most spectacular knockout or technical knockout (TKO).

Submission of the Night (SOTN): Awarded to the fighter who executes the most impressive submission victory.

These bonuses can be a significant financial boost for fighters, with each bonus typically amounting to $50,000. In some cases, the UFC President, Dana White, might even award additional “performance-based” bonuses at his discretion.

Who won the UFC 300 bonuses?

At UFC 300, the bonus picture was a bit different:

Performance of the Night (POTN): Jiri Prochazka was the sole recipient of the POTN bonus for his dominant performance against Dominick Reyes.

Double Duty for Max Holloway: In a surprising turn of events, Max Holloway received a double bonus for his fight against Justin Gaethje. He earned a POTN bonus for his thrilling performance, and an additional, unexpected KOOTN bonus for a spectacular knockout that stunned the audience. This double bonus haul amounted to a whopping $600,000!

Important to Note: There was no Submission of the Night awarded at UFC 300.

Why did Max Holloway get a double bonus?

While typically only one POTN bonus is awarded per fight, UFC President Dana White made a special exception for UFC 300. The Holloway-Gaethje fight was an instant classic, with both fighters putting on a show. Holloway’s incredible knockout was undeniably KOOTN worthy, but White also felt the overall fight deserved recognition. Therefore, he opted to award Holloway a double bonus, much to the delight of fans and Holloway himself.

Where can I find more information about UFC bonuses?

Several resources offer information about UFC bonuses:

Official UFC Website: The UFC website maintains a dedicated section for bonus coverage, often listing the winners shortly after the event. You can find results for past events, including UFC 300. 

MMA News Websites: Reputable MMA news websites like MMA Junkie often provide detailed breakdowns of UFC events, including the bonus winners. You can find their article on the UFC 300 bonuses.

YouTube Channels: Popular MMA YouTube channels might discuss the UFC bonuses and analyze the fights that earned them. However, be cautious of unofficial sources and ensure the information aligns with established MMA news outlets.

What are people saying about the UFC 300 bonuses?

The UFC 300 bonuses were a major talking point among fans. Here’s a breakdown of the general sentiment:

Max Holloway’s double bonus: This was widely seen as a well-deserved recognition of a truly exceptional performance. Fans were thrilled to see Holloway get rewarded for his incredible knockout and the overall fight.

Jiri Prochazka’s POTN: There was widespread agreement that Prochazka’s dominant display against Reyes earned him the POTN bonus.

No Submission of the Night: While there weren’t any submissions that necessarily stood out at UFC 300, some fans felt a deserving submission could have been awarded.

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