UFC Vegas 117 bonuses have been revealed, and they showcase the thrilling nature of the event. The main event saw Arnold Allen emerge victorious over Melquizael Costa, but the real stars of the show were the fighters who earned bonuses for their exceptional performances.
The Fight of the Night bonus went to Dooho Choi and Daniel Santos, who put on a featherweight war in the co-main event. Choi's third straight win could land him a top-15-ranked opponent, and his status as a must-watch fighter is well-deserved. Santos, despite a strong first round, couldn't keep up with Choi's second-round dominance, resulting in a striking finish.
Juan Diaz made a memorable UFC debut, securing a second-round submission win over Malcolm Wellmaker. Diaz's spinning back elbow knockout on Dana White's Contender Series last summer earned him a UFC contract, and his performance against Wellmaker further solidified his potential as a serious bantamweight prospect. Diaz's $100,000 Performance of the Night bonus is a testament to his skill.
Alice Ardelean made history with her Capsule Lock submission win over Polyana Viana, becoming the first fighter to achieve this in UFC history. Her performance earned her a $100,000 Performance of the Night bonus, and she's likely to face a top-15-ranked opponent at women's 115 lbs. Ardelean's success builds on her previous Fight of the Night win against Rayanne dos Santos.
For those who didn't secure the top bonuses, there was still a $25,000 finishing bonus on offer. Benardo Sopaj, Khaos Williams, Tommy Gannt, Cody Brundage, and Nicolle Caliari all earned these for their impressive finishes. Sopaj's second-round submission, Williams' first-round knockout, Gannt's second-round TKO, Brundage's second-round knockout, and Caliari's third-round submission all contributed to the excitement of the event.
The bonuses highlight the depth of talent in the UFC, with each fighter bringing their unique style and skill set to the octagon. The event's highlights showcase the potential for future stars to emerge, and the bonuses provide a financial reward for their hard work and dedication. As the UFC continues to grow, these bonuses serve as a testament to the organization's commitment to recognizing and rewarding exceptional performances.
