Big Checks and Bigger Hits: Breaking Down the UFC 328 Bonus Payouts
The energy at the Prudential Center in Newark was electric this past Saturday, and the UFC rewards reflected the high-octane action. In a night defined by grit and devastating finishes, the promotion handed out four massive $100,000 performance bonuses, alongside several smaller checks for fighters who turned in standout performances.
If you’re following the latest updates via MMA Junkie, you know that the flyweight division just witnessed a potential classic. Let’s dive into who walked away with the extra cash.
The $100,000 Club: The Night’s Biggest Earners
Four fighters pushed their limits to secure the top bonus tier. Here are the highlights of their incredible efforts:
- Joshua Van: In a fight that will be talked about for years, Van overcame early adversity against Tatsuro Taira. Entering the bout as an underdog, Van showcased incredible resilience, eventually securing a knockout in the fifth round to retain his flyweight title.
- Tatsuro Taira: Despite the loss, Taira’s effort in the co-main event was nothing short of legendary, earning him a shared bonus for his role in the “War of the Night.”
- Jim Miller: Returning from the longest layoff of his career—compounded by surgery and a heartbreaking battle with his son’s cancer—Miller proved he is still a force. He dismantled Jared Gordon with a clinical first-round arm-triangle choke.
- Yaroslav Amosov: Transitioning from Bellator to the UFC is never easy, but the former welterweight champion did it in style, submitting Joel Alvarez in the second round.
The $25,000 Finishers: Pure Dominance
While they didn’t hit the $100k mark, four other athletes earned an extra $25,000 for their decisive victories:
- Baisangur Susurkaev: Kept his perfect record intact by putting Djorden Santos to sleep with a lethal rear-naked choke.
- Grant Dawson: In a true “never say die” performance, Dawson rallied after a second-round knockdown to secure a rear-naked choke with just 18 seconds remaining in the third.
- Ateba Gautier: After a patient first round, Gautier landed a massive overhand right to KO Ozzy Diaz. He didn’t stop there, using his post-fight interview to call out former champion Israel Adesanya.
- King Green: Opened the main card with a masterclass, dominating Jeremy Stephens on the ground before locking in a first-round rear-naked choke.
A Rough Night for Jeremy Stephens
While the bonuses were flowing for others, it was a nightmare scenario for veteran Jeremy Stephens. Not only did he suffer a dominant loss to King Green, but he also became the first fighter in UFC history to reach 20 losses within the promotion.
To make matters worse, Stephens missed weight by four pounds. Per UFC regulations, this means 30% of his fight purse was forfeited and awarded to King Green—adding a significant financial sting to an already difficult night.
For more detailed fight statistics and upcoming schedules, be sure to check out the official UFC website.
