“It was as good of a main event as you could ever hope for.” That was UFC President Dana White’s reaction to Mackenzie Dern vs. Angela Hill, which served as the main event at UFC Vegas 73.
What felt like a desperation move on the promotion’s part after the card lost Irene Aldana paid off. Dern vs. Hill was originally booked for UFC Charlotte a week ago, but bumped back with an additional two rounds tacked on. The fight turned out to be the perfect headliner, with Mackenzie Dern storming out of the gate, showing improved striking and heavy hands to compliment her world-class jiu-jitsu.
Hill, game as they come, survived a couple of near stoppages in the fight, which saw Dern win a clear decision. “So badass. I’m so glad that’s the fight we moved to the main event here tonight,” White exclaimed during Saturday’s post-fight press conference.
He also announced that Dern vs. Hill had collected Fight of the Night honors, for obvious reasons.
Performance of the Night bonuses, on a card filled with finishes, went to Carlos Diego Ferreira and Viachislav Borschev, both of whom scored thunderous knockouts on Saturday.
All four bonus winning fighters will pocket an extra $50,000 for their efforts. With the card at the Apex, no gate or attendance figures were announced.
