Edson Barboza and Sodiq Yusuff received the “Fight of the Night” bonus at UFC Vegas 81, with Barboza winning the fight and earning his 10th UFC bonus, while Yusuff received his second.
Edson Barboza and Sodiq Yusuff showcased their incredible skills during a breathtaking five-round battle at UFC Vegas 81, resulting in them being awarded the coveted “Fight of the Night” honors. Initially, Barboza faced a near-finish in the first round but made a remarkable comeback against Yusuff. The judges unanimously scored the fight in favor of Barboza, with two scorecards reading 49-46 and one at 48-46. Both fighters were rewarded with a well-deserved additional $50,000 performance bonus, marking Barboza’s impressive 10th bonus while Yusuff claimed his second.
The electrifying UFC Vegas 81 event unfolded at the esteemed UFC APEX in Las Vegas and was streamed live on ESPN+. Alongside the dramatic battle between Barboza and Yusuff, other fighters who delivered outstanding performances were also duly recognized. The “Performance of the Night” bonuses were awarded to those who secured phenomenal finishes on the card. Each recipient received $50,000 in recognition of their exemplary displays.
Jonathan Martinez, skillfully using leg kicks, halted Adrian Yanez to secure his third UFC bonus. This exceptional feat allowed Martinez to join an esteemed list of fighters who have triumphed with this technique. On the other hand, Michel Pereira made an unforgettable impression in his middleweight debut by triumphing over Andre Petroski in the first round with a precisely placed right hand. Pereira’s remarkable debut performance highlighted his immense potential and left a lasting impact on the crowd.
In a night filled with thrilling battles and awe-inspiring displays of talent, Barboza, Yusuff, Martinez, and Pereira all emerged as true standouts, showcasing their exceptional skills and determination. With the Fight of the Night and Performance of the Night awards, these fighters not only garnered well-deserved recognition but also reinforced their status as elite athletes in the world of mixed martial arts.