The UFC handed out just three bonuses after Saturday’s card, one less than the promotion’s standard. Seven of the 10 fights went the distance, making bonus decisions easier for UFC bosses: all three finalists took home extra pay. After UFC on ESPN 61four fighters took home an extra $50,000 for their Las Vegas performances. Check out the winners below.
Performance of the Night: Youssef Zalal
Youssef Zalal defeated. Jarno Errens via submission (rear naked choke) – Round 1, 3:52
Zalal earned his third consecutive submission by submitting Jarno Errens via standing rear naked choke in the first round. In his second UFC run, Zalal won both fights and looked like a much better product than he displayed after his first run ended in 2022. For the finish, he takes home his first POTN bonus in his ninth UFC fight .
Performance of the Night: Toshiomi Kazama
Toshiomi Kazama defeated. Charalampos Grigoriou via submission (triangle) – 2nd round, 155
[autotag]Toshiomi Kazama[/autotag]The UFC’s first UFC victory was a wild comeback after being nearly finished. Kazama had a solid first round, but Grigoriou was quick out of the gate in the second. After receiving several elbows on the ground, somehow Kazama was able to weather the storm and apply a triangle choke to finish Grigoriou in a wild second round. The result was Kazama’s first UFC win and his first $50,000 bonus.
Performance of the Night: Serghei Spivac
Serghei Spivac defeated. Marcin Tybura via submission (armbar) – Round 1,
The heavyweights took center stage in the UFC on ESPN 61 main event, and after four straight decisions, all eyes were on Spivac and Tybura to produce fireworks. The “Polar Bear” answered the call. After finishing on bottom in a grappling exchange, Spivac threw a slick armbar and rolled over Tybura to force a tap at 1:44 of the first round. For his efforts, Spivac takes home an extra $50,000 POTN bonus.
UFC Photos on ESPN 61
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UFC on ESPN 61: Best photos from Las Vegas
UFC Scores on ESPN 61
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UFC on ESPN 61: official scorecards from Las Vegas
This article was originally published on MMA Junkie: UFC on ESPN 61 bonuses: Only three finalists receive $50,000 after decision-filled event