The UFC handed out four post-fight bonuses after Saturday’s card, including a statement finish in the main event title fight.
After UFC 294, four fighters picked up an extra $50,000 for their performances in Las Vegas. Check out the winners below.
'Performance of the Night': Muhammad Mokaev
Muhammad Mokaev was down on two judges’ scorecards going into the third round against Tim Elliott. With his undefeated record on the line, Mokaev never stopped hunting for a finish, and found what he was looking for when he trapped Elliott in an arm triangle at 3:03. The comeback finish marked his second win in 2023, and one that earned his second UFC bonus.
'Performance of the Night': Said Nurmagomedov
Said Nurmagomedov kicked off the UFC 294 main card with a fast finish over Muin Gafurov. Nurmagomedov was working fast kicks in the opening exchanges, and when Gafurov decided to look for a takedown, he countered by slapping on a very tight guillotine submission. In just 73 seconds, Nurmagomedov earned a $50,000 bonus, the second of his nine-fight UFC career.
'Performance of the Night': Ikram Aliskerov
Ikram Aliskerov has yet to reach Round 2 since his appearance on Dana White’s Contender Series. At UFC 294, he picked up his third-straight first-round finish after blasting Warlley Alves with a jumping switch knee, and following up with a barrage of punches. For his efforts, he takes home the first $50,000 bonus of his career.
'Performance of the Night': Islam Makhachev
Islam Makhachev shut down all conversations and perceived controversy that came out of his first meeting with Alexander Volkanovski. In their rematch in the main event of UFC 294, Makhachev unleashed a powerful head kick that got above the defense of Volkanovksi, leading to an incredible finish in the first round. Naturally, when you finish your opponent who’s bidding for champ-champ status, a Performance of the Night bonus is heading your way. Makhachev keeps his lightweight title and earns the fourth bonus of his UFC career.
