Conor McGregor praises Dana White for ‘life changing’ decision as fighters go wild for UFC 300 bonuses

Dana White is doing his best to make UFC 300 the biggest MMA event ever.

On Thursday, the UFC CEO led a 26-fighter press conference to promote his latest landmark event, which will take place at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas on Saturday night and he made them all very happy.

White usually rewards the best fighters on each card with a $50,000 bonus, but he has previously upped the ante ahead of big shows and was expected to do so again for UFC 300.

Naturally, the media asked what bonuses are up for grabs this weekend.

White replied: “What should it be raised to?”

Several UFC stars began shouting their suggestions before the big boss stunned everybody by announcing that each of the bonus winners would walk away with an extra $300,000.

An audible gasp echoed around the press conference venue. Soon after, fans began loudly chanting ‘Dana’ over and over – some of the fighters joined in, too.

White later clarified that $1.2 million has been put to one side and will be divided between the four fighters who impress him the most during the card of the year.

UFC superstar Conor McGregor was rumoured to be making an appearance at the press conference, but he ended up tweeting along from the comfort of his home.

‘Notorious’ praised his boss for the bonus hike.

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“Huge shout out to Dana White and the UFC for upping the bonuses to $300k,” McGregor wrote.

“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.

“I guarantee now we see ABSOLUTE FIREWORKS at UFC 300!

“Can’t wait!! This Saturday night on ESPN PPV.”

Earlier, former middleweight champion Michael Bisping told talkSPORT’s MMA channel this is the best fight card ever assembled – in any sport given there will be ten former champions and two current ones.

“Show me a boxing card that has had this many champions on it from top to bottom.

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“The first one – Cody Garbrandt against Deiveson Figueiredo will be ridiculous. They are all compelling and world class after that, too.

“They are big popular names. Fans watching at home can look and resonate straight away.

“That’s often the thing. Take Anthony Joshua vs Francis Ngannou, which everyone was excited for. But a lot of people looked at the undercard or prelims and had no idea who they are. Yes, they’ll watch them to pass the time and have a beer or make a call.

“However, these fights at UFC 300 from prelims onwards have fans glued to the screen because they know their background and history.”