At UFC Vegas 89, a new bonus category “Bite of the Night” was introduced, awarding Andre Lima an extra $25,000 for being bitten during his fight with Igor Severino, who was subsequently disqualified and cut from the UFC.
Well, UFC Vegas 89 was one for the books. A Saturday night in Sin City that saw a bonus handed out for a history-making disqualification.
The usual “Fight of the Night” bonus? Yep, that was there. Awarded to the duo who put on the best show at UFC APEX.
And then, of course, the “Performance of the Night” bonuses. Two of ’em, given to those who finished their opponents in style.
But then, something new. A category we hope doesn’t become a regular thing. They called it the “Bite of the Night.”
This was Andre Lima’s reward. Poor guy got bitten during his preliminary card fight with Igor Severino.
Severino? He’s out. Cut from the UFC after his disqualification.
And Dana White, UFC’s CEO, decided to give Lima a little extra. An additional $25,000, on top of his initial $25,000 bonus. Why? For getting a tattoo to commemorate his, let’s say, unique victory.
But let’s not forget the other bonus winners from UFC Vegas 89.
A preliminary-card brawl between Jarno Errens and Steven Nguyen? Easy pick for “Fight of the Night.” Both got an extra $50,000. Errens won by unanimous decision.
Payton Talbott, the up-and-coming bantamweight, also pocketed an extra $50,000. He dominated and finished Cameron Saaiman on the main card.
And Fernando Padilla, who opened the main card, got his own $50,000 bonus. His standing D’Arce choke of Luis Pajuelo was a sight to behold.
Oh, and by the way, the whole UFC Vegas 89 fight card? It aired on ESPN+.