Daniel Cormier Reveals UFC’s Shocking Million-Dollar Payoff After Jon Jones Fight – ‘Dana White Told Me, Let’s Send You a Million!’

In an explosive revelation that sheds light on the UFC’s behind-the-scenes business, Daniel Cormier has shared a jaw-dropping story about how Dana White and the organization rewarded him with a million-dollar check following his first fight against Jon Jones in 2015.

The tale begins with Cormier reflecting on the monumental bout between him and Jon Jones, which was heavily promoted by the UFC. Cormier, then vying for the light heavyweight title, was set to make a hefty sum – $80,000 just for showing up, with an additional $80,000 if he won the fight. Unfortunately for Cormier, he lost the highly anticipated match, and as he walked out of the arena, he was disheartened by the realization that he had earned only the $80,000 for his appearance.

However, there was more to the story than Cormier initially realized. That night, he also collected an additional $80,000 from sponsorships, a luxury fighters could still enjoy at the time, including logos on their shorts. Though still far from the $150,000 he had hoped to make, Cormier’s frustrations were soon set to take a shocking turn.

Two days later, Cormier received an unexpected call from UFC President Dana White. In a move that left the former champion stunned, Dana White informed him that the fight had generated such immense interest that the UFC decided to reward him with a remarkable bonus. “DC, the numbers were insane. We’re going to send you a million dollars!” White reportedly said.

Cormier was initially skeptical, but sure enough, just a day later, the UFC sent him a check for one million dollars. The payment wasn’t for any additional fights or wins, but simply as a thank-you from the UFC for his efforts in promoting the sport and contributing to one of the most hyped fights in UFC history.

“It’s crazy,” Cormier said, recounting the experience. “They sent me a million-dollar check the next day, just because Dana White told me I did a great job. That was 2015, and that’s the UFC.”

Cormier’s story provides a glimpse into the UFC’s financial practices, revealing how a loss can still be turned into a lucrative payday when the promotion is behind its fighters. While many critics argue that the UFC does not pay its fighters enough compared to other major sports organizations, Cormier’s account illustrates that fighters who help drive significant attention to the sport can receive substantial rewards.

The UFC’s decision to send Cormier a million-dollar check serves as a reminder of the company’s ability to adjust compensation based on a fighter’s marketability and the impact of their performances. It also highlights the unique, sometimes unpredictable nature of UFC’s financial structure, where success isn’t always measured by wins and losses alone.

For Cormier, the unexpected windfall was a testament to the UFC’s willingness to invest in fighters who contribute to the brand’s success. Despite his loss to Jon Jones, Cormier’s role in the fight’s promotion and the overall build-up to the event was clearly recognized by the UFC, leaving him with a story of surprise generosity that remains one of the most memorable moments in the history of the sport.

As UFC fighters continue to speak out about compensation, Cormier’s experience adds a layer of complexity to the ongoing debate. For those who generate major buzz and draw attention to the sport, it appears that there may still be room for surprise rewards – even if the win column remains elusive.