LAS VEGAS -- UFC president Dana White confirmed Thursday that Hall of Famer Mark Coleman will present the BMF championship to the winner of the Justin Gaethje vs. Max Holloway fight at UFC 300 on Saturday.
Coleman, 59, recently came out of a coma following the heroic rescue of his parents from a house fire in Toledo, Ohio, last month. Following the rescue, Coleman was placed into a medically induced coma for three days until he was able to breathe on his own.
The idea was first broached by Holloway, who called Coleman the "real life BMF," and co-signed by Gaethje. Coleman revealed that Holloway invited him to UFC 300 and would be honored to wrap the BMF title around the winner's waist.
The idea was confirmed at the UFC 300 news conference when a media member asked if Coleman would be granted the opportunity.
"Done," White responded to a raucous ovation from fans in attendance.
White also announced that the fight night bonuses would get a bump from the standard $50,000 to a record $300,000. Again, White responded following an inquiry by a media member about a potential increase.
"What do you want?" White asked. All 26 fighters on stage began shouting numbers until they settled on $300,000.
"Done!"
Conor McGregor, who is not on the UFC 300 card but is targeting a summer bout with Michael Chandler, took to social media to praise the UFC for the increased bonuses.
Huge shout out @danawhite and the @ufc upping the bonuses to $300k! 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 ❤️🍀
— Conor McGregor (@TheNotoriousMMA) April 12, 2024
Before UFC 300, the largest fight night bonus was $160,000 given to Diego Sanchez and Martin Kampmann for Fight of the Night at UFC on Versus 3 in 2011. UFC 100 awarded bonuses of $100,000 but UFC 200 regressed to the standard bonus of $50,000.