It was another night of fighters begging for bonuses at a UFC event, a trend that isn’t likely to fade if the bonus money increases with the start of the Paramount+ deal next year as expected.
Yet while Chris Padilla was desperate for an extra $50,000 to get his mother out of a trailer, he was snubbed when the promotion announced four names picking up Performance of the Night awards at UFC Vegas 111 on Saturday.
Instead, headliner Gabriel Bonfim and newcomer Josh Hokit were among the names selected. No Fight of the Night was announced for UFC Vegas 111.
Bonfim made a statement in the main event with a thunderous knockout of Randy “Rude Boy” Brown. The Brazilian might have been extra motivated after watching Padilla put away his brother, Ismael Bonfim, earlier on the main card.
Heavyweight Hokit, a Contender Series winner earlier this year, made his official octagon debut against fellow newcomer Max Gimenis, and earned the TKO finish inside of a round. He went on to cut a Chael Sonnen-style promo, calling out Brazilian heel hook specialist Valter Walker in the end.
The remaining two Performance of the Night bonuses at UFC Vegas 111 saw English middleweight Christian Leroy Duncan and card-opener Zach Reese cash in.
