Cowboy Cerrone continues to blaze a trail in the UFC, earning his 17th post-fight bonus at Saturday night’s UFC Ottawa (UFC Fight Night 151).
At Saturday night’s UFC Ottawa, there was little question who earned the Fight of the Night, with apologies to Shane Burgos. Burgos was a tad upset following a perceived snub for the bonus, after his solid effort against Cub Swanson. However, after the five round war put on between Cowboy Cerrone and Al Iaquinta, there was little doubt left in most spectator’s minds: the main event duo put on the best show of the night.
Cerrone started perhaps a little slow (he admitted as much after). But in the second round, he found his groove, and began to piece up a game Iaquinta. Raging Al was bloodied but unbent, and a number of knockdowns (another record claimed by Cerrone Saturday) didn’t deter him. In the end, however, Cerrone pulled well ahead, and earned his 17th UFC bonus — a record, for those keeping track. Add it to his collection, including most UFC wins (23) and most Zuffa appearances (41 between WEC and UFC).
For Iaquinta, it was his second bonus in as many fights, but it certainly didn’t end the way he’d hoped. Rather than leave Ottawa victorious, he was helped to the dressing room, exhausted.
Earning Performance of the Night honors were Walt Harris, for his quick finish of newcomer Serghei Spivac, and Macy Chiasson. Chiasson, after some early setbacks, overcame Canada’s Sarah Moras to earn a second-round TKO.
All four fighters were awarded $50,000 for their efforts Saturday night.