One fighter will leave the Crypto.com Arena on Saturday $50,000 richer for reasons Dana White is keeping to himself.
The UFC boss announced the extra payout in an Instagram video, dubbing it the “proper chaos bonus.” The money goes to whichever fighter White decides deserves it, with no published criteria, no scoring system, and no way to guarantee the win beyond impressing him personally.
“So, for one night only, we’re bringing a little proper chaos into the Octagon,” White said in the clip. “At UFC 331, we are unlocking the proper chaos bonus. $50,000 awarded to the fighter who I think deserves it most.”
Tied to a Paramount+ premiere
The stunt is a promotion for MobLand, the Paramount+ crime drama that returns for its second season on Friday, September 18, the night before the fights. UFC events now stream on the same platform in the United States, so the show and the card land on Paramount+ on back-to-back nights.
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“Long before I did a deal with Paramount, I’ve been telling you guys I’m a huge fan of ‘Mobland,'” White said, calling the series “one of the best shows on television.”
On top of the usual bonus pool
The one-off payout stacks on top of the UFC’s regular Fight Night awards. Four $100,000 bonuses are handed out at every card: Fight of the Night, which goes to both fighters in the evening’s most exciting bout, and two individual Performance of the Night awards.
That means several fighters at UFC 331 have a shot at the “chaos” money if White’s mood swings their way, whether or not their name lands on the official bonus board at the end of the night.
Van defends against Pantoja
UFC 331 takes place at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles on Saturday, September 19. The main event is a flyweight title rematch between champion Joshua Van and former titleholder Alexandre Pantoja.
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Van captured the belt after Pantoja dislocated his elbow 26 seconds into the opening round of their first meeting. In the co-main, Arman Tsarukyan meets Mauricio Ruffy at lightweight, with the winner in line for a shot at the title.
The main card starts at 6pm local time on Paramount+.
