Four fighters won $50,000 bonuses for their outstanding performances at UFC 294, with three of them securing finishes on the main card.
Four fighters at UFC 294 received hefty bonuses of $50,000 each for their outstanding performances, according to Dana White, the CEO of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). These bonuses, known as the “Performance of the Night” awards, were well-deserved after an eventful night of fights at the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi. Notably, three of these fighters showcased their skills on the pay-per-view main card.
One of the winners was Muhammad Mokaev, a flyweight hailing from Dagestan. Mokaev triumphed over his opponent, Tim Elliott, via an impressive submission in the third round. Engaging in a highly competitive battle, Mokaev sealed his victory with an arm-triangle choke. This success marked Mokaev’s second post-fight bonus in just his fifth appearance in UFC.
Similarly, Said Nurmagomedov, a bantamweight from Dagestan, claimed his spot among the bonus recipients. With a lightning-fast first-round guillotine choke, he rendered his opponent, Muin Gafurov, unconscious. Nurmagomedov’s dominant performance secured his second UFC performance bonus, while further establishing his reputation with his fourth first-round finish in the octagon.
Another Dagestani fighter, Ikram Aliskerov, made an impact in the middleweight division by delivering a spectacular flying knee to Warlley Alves. This dynamic strike set the stage for a quick first-round finish, highlighting Aliskerov’s immense talent. The bonus he received marked his first post-fight bonus in addition to his second consecutive UFC victory.
Completing the quartet of bonus-winners was Islam Makhachev, the reigning Dagestani lightweight champion. In an intense rematch against Alexander Volkanovski, Makhachev defended his title in stunning fashion. Utilizing a devastating head-kick knockout, he secured his fourth post-fight bonus and once again solidified his dominance in the lightweight division.
These bonuses serve as recognition for the exceptional performances displayed by Mokaev, Nurmagomedov, Aliskerov, and Makhachev at UFC 294. Their victories captivated fans and showcased their skills inside the octagon, bringing them well-deserved accolades and financial rewards.