An instant classic in the main event between Robert Whittaker and Yoel Romero, meeting for the second time, topped the list of bonus winners at UFC 225.
UFC 225 was everything fans hoped it would be and then some. Going down Saturday at the United Center in Chicago, the card had but a few weak points, and plenty of exciting action. There was even a little bit of history made, with Charles Oliveira tying Royce Gracie’s record for most submissions in the UFC at ten. And yes, that absolutely earned Oliveira one of the Performance of the Night bonuses.
💰 BONUS TIME 💰
POTN: Oliveira & @RazorBlaydes265
FOTN: @RobWhittakerMMA vs @YoelRomeroMMA #UFC225 pic.twitter.com/nYSpbLgBrd— UFC (@ufc) June 10, 2018
Yet when it came time to award the Fight of the Night honor there was no question as to who would be pocketing the extra $50,000. Robert Whittaker and Yoel Romero put on an instant classic in the main event, a war of attrition that saw both men battered, bruised, wobbled — yet neither could be put away. And whether you saw the fight for Whittaker or Romero (ultimately, the split decision was awarded to the champion, Whittaker, though the belt was not on the line after Romero missed weight), there was no denying the entertainment value. Fans, journalists, and even fellow fighters lauded the men for their efforts at UFC 225.
The final Performance of the Night bonus, meanwhile, went to Curtis Blaydes. On a night that saw some of the few rising prospects in the heavyweight division overcome veteran competition, it was Blaydes who stood out, absolutely crushing Alistair Overeem with a series of elbow strikes on the ground that busted open the Dutch fighter.
As usual, all four fighters will receive a well-deserved $50,000 for their efforts.
