Dana White claims Justin Gaethje 'stole' $50,000 Fight of the Night bonus from early prelim clash
03/09/2025 04:27 AM
Dana White has revealed how two prelim fighters on their first UFC contracts almost won $50,000, until Justin Gaethje ruined it for them.
Ozzy Diaz and Djorden Santos went to war for the entirety of their 15-minute UFC 313 prelim scrap, with the former narrowly taking victory. Even through a string of finishes and exciting moments, it seemed they had set an unattainable pace early in the night.
However, Justin Gaethje and Rafael Fiziev tore the house down in their hastily-arranged co-main event hours later. White noted that the former BMF and interim champion had done enough to just pip the two prospects to the post.
- Who is Dana White? All you need to know about the CEO and President of the UFC
Justin Gaethje and Rafael Fiziev’s UFC 313 rematch ‘steals’ $50,000 bonus from prelim fighters
Just two weeks ago, Justin Gaethje and Rafael Fiziev weren’t anywhere near being ready for a rematch. ‘The Highlight’ was due to take on Dan Hooker, while Fiziev was still waiting on a comeback after his bizarre lost to Matesuz Gamrot last year.
However, when the New Zealader pulled out, Gaethje was able to book a new fight which ended up being arguably even more entertaining. And Dana White noted that they did enough to pip the $50,000 Fight of the Night bonus from two prelim prospects.
“Great fight,” White said of the bout during his post-fight press conference. “I mean they won 50 grand for Fight of the Night, they stole it away from the first two kids of the night it was looking like they were going to win it.”
Dana White awards four $50,000 performance bonuses after UFC 313
UFC 313 was a night of exciting moments and finishes, but the promotion opted to only hand out the standard four bonuses. The two prelim fighters earned nothing, nor did Brunno Ferreira or Carlos Leal for their impressive stoppages.
The first performance bonus went to Mauricio Ruffy who landed a stunning spinning wheel kick knockout of King Green. His win was a rarity in the promotion’s history, but was arguably KO of the Year already just three months into the term.
The second award went to Ignacio Bahamondes who stunned fans with a triangle from his back over Jalin Turner. It was such a shock that Turner, aged just 29, opted to retire after the fact.
