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WASHINGTON, DC - JUNE 15: Justin Gaethje celebrates after defeating Ilia Topuria in a lightweight title bout during UFC Freedom 250 on the South Lawn of the White House on June 15, 2026 in Washington, DC. President Trump is hosting a series of Ultimate Fighting Championship matches on his 80th birthday, which the White House is calling "a once-in-a-generation celebration of the American fighting spirit.” (Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Justin Gaethje has won numerous bonuses in his storied career, but none more memorable than what he just earned at UFC White House.
Sunday’s main event saw Gaethje deliver the performance of his life, battering the undefeated Ilia Topuria en route to a fourth-round knockout win to unify his interim title with Topuria’s and complete his long-awaited climb to undisputed UFC lightweight champion. For his effort, Gaethje was awarded not only the Fight of the Night award, but a Performance of the Night bonus as well.
For the historic UFC White House event, the promotion increased the Fight of the Night bonus from its usual $100,000 to $400,000, and the Performance of the Night bonus from $100,000 to $425,000. That means an extra $825,000 for Gaethje.
As one half of the Fight of the Night, Topuria also receives a cool $400,000 consolation prize.
The other Performance of the night went to Ciryl Gane for his second-round knockout of former two-division champion Alex Pereira. “Poatan” was attempting to become the first UFC fighter ever to win titles in three divisions, but Gane instead defeated him to become interim heavyweight champion a second time and claim a $425,000 bonus.
All seven of Sunday’s fights ended via knockout, meaning the following five winners also received a mandatory $25,000 finish bonus:
- Sean O’Malley
- Josh Hokit
- Mauricio Ruffy
- Bo Nickal
- Diego Lopes
Gaethje has now won Fight of the Night 11 times and Performance of the Night six times, giving him 17 bonuses earned in 16 UFC appearances.
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