Derrick Lewis and Aspen Ladd were among those who earned bonuses at UFC 229 in Las Vegas on Saturday night.
It’s easy to forget that there were some great moments at UFC 229. Why they’re being overlooked is obvious, but it already feels like too much has been written on the subject. Some good news instead then. UFC President Dana White announced the winners of the event’s bonuses at the UFC 229 post-fight press conference in Las Vegas. While it seemed almost an afterthought, there were some stellar fights on the night. Derrick Lewis vs. Alexander Volkov was one of those.
Lewis (21–5 (1)) looked to be seconds away from losing a decision when he starched Volkov late in the third round of their main card fight. The popular heavyweight had withstood an absolute siege over the course of three rounds. Then, showing an impressive amount of heart, he connected with a crushing punch that took Volkov’s legs out from under him. The towering ‘Drago’ crumpled, and Lewis unleashed fury like only he can. A few extra punches, and the lights went out on the Russian. Lewis had the come-from-behind win.
Then fans got Lewis acting in a way only Lewis can. He took his fight shorts off. Standing in his boxers, he told Joe Rogan “my balls was hot” when asked why. He claimed to have won the fight for Trump, joking that the President had called him. Already one of the most entertaining post-fight interviews in any promotion, Lewis likely earned himself a legion of new fans, given the high profile of UFC 229. Then there was his post-fight press scrum, where he tested out a new explanation for ditching his shorts. “I really had an orgasm,” he claimed, “that’s the reason I took my shorts off. It felt good. True story.”
Lewis picked up a Performance bonus for his efforts in the cage. Though we’d hand him a second for his interview. Also receiving a Performance of the Night bonus was Aspen Ladd, who made short work of former Invicta FC champ Tonya Evinger.
Fight of the Night honors, meanwhile, went to the wild brawl between former lightweight champs Tony Ferguson and Anthony Pettis. The pair engaged in a bloody but exciting battle until Pettis was unable to continue after the second round.
All four fighters will receive an extra $50,000 for their efforts at UFC 229 on Saturday night in Las Vegas.
