I'm guessing that Riddick Bowe was in debt with Thai and/or Russian gangsters:
http://youtu.be/3obYvgFllxo?t=4m
That was embarrassing to watch.
Pretty much. I hope they don't get rid of bonuses, as I feel at this point that it's the only incentive for lower-paid dudes to put on a show.
And for the record, regarding fighter pay, to me it comes down to one thing: you get paid what you deserve, and you should live/train within your means.
I understand that fighters, like all athletes, have a limited career span and are putting their lives and health on the line when they fight, but that's their choice. If you want to make more money then fight better.
Win better. And make a name for yourself doing so. You don't have to be cutting Sonnen-eque promos left, right and centre but just get your name out there and have people know who you are and why you deserve bigger fights with bigger money.
But if you don't want to do that shit, or don't have the skill level to do so, then take some advice from Cole Konrad and get a real job.
Hearing lower-level fighters come out with this crap "I don't get paid enough" is like hearing a soccer player in the Scottish Second Division complaining that he doesn't get paid as much as Ronaldo, Rooney or Messi.