Former UFC competitor and current FPI matchmaker Claudia Gadelha provided insight into the contract details following UFC FPI 10.
“For us in the business side, we pay them almost the same amount of money to finish, than we pay for them to show,”
Gadelha explained.
“There’s only show money and finish money, there’s no win money. So you go out there, and you got to get a finish. So they kept fighting for their finish bonus.”
The innovative payment structure appears designed to enhance entertainment value in professional grappling competitions. By incentivizing submissions over points, athletes are encouraged to maintain an aggressive approach throughout their matches, even when ahead on the scoreboard. This contrasts sharply with traditional BJJ tournaments, where point-based strategies often lead to passive and defensive grappling.
This strategy has already shown promising results. At UFC FPI 10, three matches concluded with submissions during overtime periods, demonstrating competitors’ commitment to pursuing definitive endings rather than settling for decision victories. Gadelha emphasized that the approach fosters an exciting environment that benefits both the audience and the athletes.
Beyond its impact on individual fights, the format also addresses common criticisms of defensive strategies in grappling competitions through built-in penalties for stalling. Combined with the finish bonus structure, these rules promote a more dynamic and spectator-friendly version of the sport. The ultimate goal is to transform the perception of high-level grappling from a niche discipline into an electrifying spectacle that can draw a wider fanbase.
Gadelha also spoke about the broader vision for UFC Fight Pass Invitational events, noting their growing popularity and the increasing level of talent being drawn to the platform.
“Look, it’s the best card we’ve done so far and everyone delivered a show. It’s impressive,”
she stated when discussing UFC FPI 10. According to her, the competitors understood exactly what was expected and delivered non-stop action from start to finish, much to the delight of the energetic crowd in attendance.
With its success, the UFC Fight Pass Invitational series continues to gain momentum, and plans are already in motion for the next installment. The upcoming event has been scheduled for May 29th at the IPEX facility, where organizers will begin scouting top talent from around the world. The tournament structure ensures that only the most dynamic and aggressive grapplers will thrive, reinforcing the notion that entertainment and competition must go hand in hand.
The success of this payment model raises questions about its potential application in mixed martial arts. Could the UFC eventually incorporate similar incentives into its main roster contracts? While complete payment details remain private, the early response to FPI’s finish-focused structure suggests a promising direction for combat sports compensation models.
In addition to discussing the financial incentives, Gadelha has also suggested a potential blockbuster grappling match between two of the most dominant female fighters in UFC history: Ronda Rousey and Amanda Nunes. Speaking about the possibility, she remarked,
“I don’t really know what’s going on in Ronda Rousey’s life right now. I know she has a family now and a lot of other things going on. But for the fans that really love grappling, really love Jiu-Jitsu, really love Judo, how amazing would it be to watch Ronda Rousey and Amanda Nunes going against each other under the UFC Jiu-Jitsu rule set?”
Rousey, an Olympic bronze medalist in Judo, and Nunes, a black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, both possess exemplary ground games that have contributed to their successful careers. While such a match remains purely hypothetical, it has captured the imagination of grappling enthusiasts worldwide.
“Damn! I’ll pay to watch that. Would you?”
Gadelha added, emphasizing her excitement at the idea.
Whether or not the UFC ever pursues this dream matchup, the Fight Pass Invitational continues to solidify its status as a premier platform for showcasing elite Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu talent. With its innovative rule set and incentive-driven contracts, the series is carving out a new standard for professional grappling—one that prioritizes action, aggression, and, above all, the pursuit of the finish.
