Quinton “Rampage” Jackson has a bold message for the UFC to pay fighters more if you want better fights. The former UFC light heavyweight champion said on October 27, 2025, that the promotion should increase its fight bonuses to $1 million. His comments came days after UFC 321 in Abu Dhabi, where fans slammed the event for being slow and full of ground control instead of striking.
The pay-per-view, headlined by Tom Aspinall vs. Ciryl Gane , ended in controversy when Aspinall was poked in both eyes just seconds before the end of the first round. The bout was ruled a no-contest, and the entire card set a record with 60 takedowns, the highest ever in UFC history. Fans complained that fighters are focusing more on wrestling than creating exciting stand-up battles, sparking a major debate in the MMA world.
Rampage Jackson says bigger bonuses will bring more action
Speaking on the Jaxxon Podcast, Rampage Jackson said the UFC needs to reward excitement, not control. “If I had the money the UFC has, I’d make the Fight of the Night bonus a million dollars,” he said. “You’d see more fighters swinging for knockouts instead of just holding people down.”
Jackson pointed to the UFC’s $7.7 billion broadcast deal with Paramount+, starting in January 2026, saying the company can afford to pay fighters more.
At present, the promotion gives $50,000 for “Fight of the Night” and “Performance of the Night.” He argued that higher bonuses would motivate fighters to take risks and entertain fans.
Other stars agreed with him. TJ Dillashaw said the bonus should at least reach $100,000, while Bobby Green predicted they might increase to $75,000 once the new deal begins.
Rampage Jackson believes these changes would bring back “real fights” and fix what he calls a growing problem in the sport.
Tom Aspinall’s eye poke and record takedowns fuel criticism
At UFC 321, Tom Aspinall’s title bout with Ciryl Gane ended abruptly in round one after a double eye poke left the champion unable to continue.
Doctors later said Aspinall avoided serious injury, but his father revealed that he “still can’t see anything” from one eye.
Also Read: Joe Rogan Reveals The One Thing That Scared Him More Than Facing Real Fighters Inside The UFC Octagon
Beyond the main event, the night drew criticism for its slow pace. According to official UFC stats, the card recorded the most takedowns in history, 60 total.
Fights like Mackenzie Dern vs. Virna Jandiroba and Alexander Volkov vs. Jailton Almeida spent long stretches on the ground. Paddy Pimblett called it “one of the worst pay-per-views ever.”
Rampage Jackson says raising bonuses would change that. “You want real fights? Pay for it,” he said. “A million-dollar bonus would make fighters go all out.”
The pay-per-view, headlined by Tom Aspinall vs. Ciryl Gane , ended in controversy when Aspinall was poked in both eyes just seconds before the end of the first round. The bout was ruled a no-contest, and the entire card set a record with 60 takedowns, the highest ever in UFC history. Fans complained that fighters are focusing more on wrestling than creating exciting stand-up battles, sparking a major debate in the MMA world.
Rampage Jackson says bigger bonuses will bring more action
Speaking on the Jaxxon Podcast, Rampage Jackson said the UFC needs to reward excitement, not control. “If I had the money the UFC has, I’d make the Fight of the Night bonus a million dollars,” he said. “You’d see more fighters swinging for knockouts instead of just holding people down.”
Jackson pointed to the UFC’s $7.7 billion broadcast deal with Paramount+, starting in January 2026, saying the company can afford to pay fighters more.
At present, the promotion gives $50,000 for “Fight of the Night” and “Performance of the Night.” He argued that higher bonuses would motivate fighters to take risks and entertain fans.
Other stars agreed with him. TJ Dillashaw said the bonus should at least reach $100,000, while Bobby Green predicted they might increase to $75,000 once the new deal begins.
Rampage Jackson believes these changes would bring back “real fights” and fix what he calls a growing problem in the sport.
Tom Aspinall’s eye poke and record takedowns fuel criticism
At UFC 321, Tom Aspinall’s title bout with Ciryl Gane ended abruptly in round one after a double eye poke left the champion unable to continue.
Doctors later said Aspinall avoided serious injury, but his father revealed that he “still can’t see anything” from one eye.
Also Read: Joe Rogan Reveals The One Thing That Scared Him More Than Facing Real Fighters Inside The UFC Octagon
Beyond the main event, the night drew criticism for its slow pace. According to official UFC stats, the card recorded the most takedowns in history, 60 total.
Fights like Mackenzie Dern vs. Virna Jandiroba and Alexander Volkov vs. Jailton Almeida spent long stretches on the ground. Paddy Pimblett called it “one of the worst pay-per-views ever.”
Rampage Jackson says raising bonuses would change that. “You want real fights? Pay for it,” he said. “A million-dollar bonus would make fighters go all out.”
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