Conor McGregor Was Fired Up After Dana White Announced a Major Change at UFC 300

Karl Rasmussen | Apr 11, 2024

UFC President Dana White speaks at a press conference / Jasmin Frank-USA TODAY Sports

Dana White announced a big adjustment to the payout bonuses for UFC 300 on Thursday night, prompting an excited response from one of the sport's all-time biggest stars.

With one of UFC's most coveted events looming on Saturday, White announced plans to significantly increase performance bonuses from $50,000 all the way to $300,000 after Justin Gaethje and Max Holloway, who will be in the octagon at UFC 300, urged him to raise the payout.

During a press conference on Thursday, White was asked by a reporter about the possibility of increasing the performance bonus payout for Saturday's showdowns.

"What should it be raised to?" asked White.

After someone suggested $300,000, the UFC president enthusiastically obliged, much to the delight of the crowd.

Dana White announced the fight night bonuses will be raised from $50k to $300k for #UFC300 🤑 pic.twitter.com/X3djI5iyRn

— ESPN MMA (@espnmma) April 12, 2024

Although Conor McGregor won't be fighting at UFC 300 on Saturday, and hasn't fought since 2021, he took to social media to share his excitement about the adjusted payout structure, suggesting it would lead to some high-intensity bouts and an overall improved product.

"Huge shout out to [Dana White] and the [UFC] upping the bonuses to $300k! Life changing money for many on the card. To look after your fighters is paramount! God speed Dana and team at [UFC], onwards and upwards! What a time to be alive! Have a great showing ladies and gents," wrote McGregor on X, formerly Twitter.

Huge shout out @danawhite and the @ufc upping the bonuses to $300k! Life changing money for many on the card. To look after your fighters is paramount! God speed Dana and team at @ufc, onwards and upwards! What a time to be alive! Have a great showing ladies and gents ❤️🍀

— Conor McGregor (@TheNotoriousMMA) April 12, 2024

There are some heavy hitters on the loaded UFC 300 card, which includes three title fights—Gaethje vs. Holloway (lightweight), Zhang Weili vs. Yao Xionan (strawweight) and Alex Pereira vs. Jamahal Hill (heavyweight)—as well as a slew of other exciting matchups, the ferocity of which could be heightened due to the increased performance bonus payouts.