
A stunning upset in the UFC Saudi Arabia main event, and a triumphant newcomer were among the bonus winners on Saturday’s Fight Night card.
UFC President and CEO Dana White announced the bonus following the event, with the promotion rewarding debutant Bogdan Grad, Nassourdine Imavov, and Vinicius Oliveira vs. Said Nurmagomedov when the dust had settled.
Grad, a 2024 Contender Series winner, made an emphatic statement in his promotional debut, where he finished Lucas Alexander by TKO. Alexander, it’s worth mentioning, had come in 2.5lbs heavy for the featherweight fight. That earned Grad one Performance of the Night bonus.
Nassourdine Imavov shocked just about everyone in the UFC Saudi Arabia main event, meanwhile. A strong opening round from Adesanya appeared to have him back in fine form. But in the second, Imavov connected with a right hand that snapped the former champ’s head to the side, removed his equilibrium from the equation, and sent him crashing to the canvas. Without question, it was a statement victory by France’s Imavov, and the biggest of his career. It also earn him the night’s other Performance bonus.
Fight of the Night honors at UFC Saudi Arabia went to the bantamweight scrap between Vinicius Oliveira and Said Nurmagomedov, with Brazil’s Oliveira earning the win on the scorecards.
All four bonus-winning fighters will pocket $50,000 U.S. on top of their purse and outfitting pay.