Ryan Gandra targets $100,000 bonus at UFC 331
The Brazilian fighter hopes to earn a Performance of the Night bonus when he faces Ozzy Diaz on Saturday.
Ryan Gandra has his sights set on a $100,000 bonus at UFC 331. The Brazilian has finished his first two UFC opponents in less than two minutes combined, but missed out on the promotion's Performance of the Night awards on both occasions.
Gandra will face Osman "Ozzy" Diaz on Saturday in Los Angeles, looking to extend his nine-fight winning streak and finally earn the bonus he has been chasing. The 31-year-old believes the money would allow him to improve his training camp by bringing in other athletes to help him prepare for future fights.
Ryan Gandra Wants to Finally Earn a UFC Bonus
Gandra earned his UFC contract by stopping Trent Miller in the first round of Dana White's Contender Series in 2025. Since then, he has continued his run of quick finishes, knocking out Jose Medina in 41 seconds at UFC Fight Night 268 before stopping Zachary Reese in just over a minute at UFC 329.
Despite finishing both opponents in the first round, Gandra did not receive a Performance of the Night bonus. Speaking to Ag Fight ahead of UFC 331, the Brazilian said that earning the $100,000 award is one of his main goals against Diaz.
"I came close twice," Gandra began. "I really want it. And I always say that athletes do need money because it brings peace of mind and comfort. What do I need the money for? To bring people in to train with me, to pay accommodation for athletes who will improve my performance. I don't have that today. The bonus would give me an improvement and peace of mind for a whole year. We're going to go after that bonus in this next fight."
Gandra's motivation for earning the bonus goes beyond simply receiving the money. The Brazilian sees the award as an opportunity to improve his training environment by bringing in athletes who can help him prepare for his fights.
The middleweight prospect will enter UFC 331 with a 10-1 professional record and nine consecutive victories. His two UFC wins have both come by first-round TKO, and another quick finish against Diaz could give him another opportunity to earn a bonus.
Diaz, meanwhile, holds a 10-4 professional record, with nine of his 10 victories coming by stoppage. The 35-year-old will look to rebound after suffering a TKO loss to Ateba Abega Gautier in May.
