A big night for the UFC at Madison Square Garden on Saturday saw five fighters earn post-fight bonuses when the dust had settled following UFC 309.
The Jon Jones-led card saw 20,200 fans in attendance with a 16.7 million U.S. gate, Dana White told media outlets including Cageside Press following the event. That was good enough to be the second highest gate ever at the historic New York City venue.
As for the bonus winners, Jones was one of three Performance of the Night recipients for his dismantling of Stipe Miocic. “Bones” picked Miocic apart, specifically with kicks to the body, which is what eventually ended the fight. A third round spinning back kick to the ribs dropped Stipe, with a few extra punches sealing the deal.
Ramiz Brahimaj, who stopped Mickey Gall with punches, and Oban Elliott, who likewise put away Bassil Hafez, also earned $50,000 Performance bonuses.
Fight of the Night at UFC 309, meanwhile, went to the co-main event of Charles Oliveira vs. Michael Chandler. “Do Bronx,” the former UFC lightweight champ, dominated for the first four rounds, neutralizing Chandler on the ground and coming close to finishing more than once. Chandler, however, rallied in the fifth, hurting Oliveira and smashing away with ground n’ pound, only to eventually gas out.
