Bellator fighters sound off on promotion's lack of fight-night bonuses – and what they could mean

With the promotion continuing to grow, some Bellator fighters are picking back up the rallying cry for some extra financial love.

The UFC, Bellator’s top competitor, long has had a fight-night bonus structure in place. That promotion used to have fluctuating bonus amounts, typically from $40,000 for smaller shows up to $70,000 for bigger pay-per-views. And for its blockbuster UFC 129 card in Toronto, the bonuses were $129,000.

These days, the UFC has settled into a flat $50,000 bonus structure for each show and hands out four – two performance bonuses, plus a “Fight of the Night.” Absent a compelling best fight, sometimes two extra performance bonuses will take its place.

But Bellator doesn’t have a formal fight-night bonus system, and it’s something some of its fighters would, naturally, love to see in place.

“I think Bellator is overdue in establishing ‘of the night’ bonuses,” featherweight champion Patricio Freire (26-4 MMA, 14-4 BMMA) told MMAjunkie. “(Former CEO) Bjorn Rebney talked about it. (Current President) Scott Coker talks about it. Bellator has the best event production in North America, and most of its fights are exciting. It’s rare to see someone fight not to lose in Bellator. Imagine knowing that if you put on a show, you get to keep your job, plus there’s a financial incentive to go above and beyond – a bonus for fight, knockout, or submission of the night.”

His brother Patricky Freire (18-8 MMA, 11-7 BMMA) agrees. And with seven of his 11 Bellator wins by knockout, he thinks a bonus system would’ve gone a long way for his personal finances.

“I believe Bellator should have done this already,” he said. “Bellator has the structure and the ability to do so. I think it would make the organization shine even more. It would make the fighters even more motivated. A lot of people ask me about that. I see smaller promotions that already offer submission, knockout, or fight-of-the-night bonuses. It would be the cherry on top. It would be exciting.

“If this had been in place when I signed up, I think I’d have a lot of money put away by now. Modesty aside, I think I would have earned several bonuses.”

Patricio believes if Bellator started up a bonus system, it also would work as a lure to bring talent over from organizations like the UFC. Bellator has made quite a few high-profile signings of UFC free agents in the past couple years.

Former UFC and WEC lightweight champ Benson Henderson, whom Patricky just beat in the Bellator 183 main event, won four bonuses in the UFC and another three in the WEC. He came to Bellator in early 2016 as a free agent

“A free agent in the UFC, who is known for earning bonuses, if he finds out that’s also a possibility in Bellator, wouldn’t that be extra incentive to come over?” Patricio asked. “I think Bellator should add all these kinds of bonuses – for finishes and best fight of the night. The funding is there. Bellator belongs to a gigantic conglomerate. It will be another step in the growth of the organization.”

Goiti Yamauchi

Goiti Yamauchi (22-3 MMA, 8-2 BMMA) submitted Adam Piccolotti in the first round at Bellator 183 and has seven of his eight Bellator wins by stoppage with six submissions.

“A bonus system would be great,” Yamauchi said. “It’s further incentive for fighters who are aggressive. Of my eight victories in Bellator, only one was a decision. It proves that I don’t back down and I always look for a finish. It would be a great incentive for fighters like me. I think the fans are there to see that sort of fight. I think that’s what I bring.

“I think I missed out on a few possible bonuses, but that’s no problem. Everything will work out in the end.”

The promotion returns next week for Bellator 184 on Oct. 6 in Thackerville, Okla.

For more on Bellator’s upcoming schedule, check out the MMA Rumors section of the site.