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sadykhov and Motta Earn $100K Bonus After Thrilling Fight at UFC Baku
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Despite a lackluster event and early fan departures, Nazim Sadykhov and Nikolas Motta delivered a memorable performance, earning them both a $100,000 bonus from Dana White.
UFC’s inaugural event in Azerbaijan this past Saturday was largely uneventful, but the fight between Nazim Sadykhov and Nikolas Motta proved to be a highlight.The main event saw Khalil Rountree Jr. secure a decision win over Jamahal Hill in a slow-paced light heavyweight match.
Despite the enthusiasm of the local fans, the atmosphere in the arena was subdued for much of the night. The first six fights failed to produce a single finish.
It wasn’t untill the eighth fight,featuring Nazim Sadykhov and Nikolas Motta,that the crowd witnessed a finish. Their bout was considered one of the most exciting of the year thus far.
Dana White Praises Sadykhov vs. Motta, Awards $100K Bonuses
Following an action-packed first round, Sadykhov and Motta continued their high-intensity fight into the second.
Sadykhov unleashed a series of powerful punches against Motta near the fence, resulting in a knockout victory for the Russian fighter.
The Sadykhov-Motta fight was one of only two finishes on the entire 12-fight card in Baku.
Disappointed by the lack of excitement, many fans began leaving the arena before the main event between Rountree Jr. and Hill.
UFC President Dana white announced that he would award all the performance bonus money to Sadykhov and Motta, recognizing their exceptional fight.
“I wanna say, Nazim and Motta, total strikes landed 98 vs 84, which is crazy pace for a fight that ended in the second round. 65 to 64 head shots and a combined 159 strikes in round one and then the Motta combination, there was like 75 punches, in that ball park.”
“I’m giving them all the money tonight, so they’re getting $100,000 each, they’re getting all the money, congratulations to those two,” white said.
“I’m giving them all the money tonight, so they’re getting $100,000 each…congratulations to those two,”
Dana White Explains Bonus Snub After Submission Win
Promptly after the Sadykhov-Motta fight,Myktybek Orolbai secured a first-round submission victory over Tofiq Musayev.
Despite the speedy finish, White explained his decision not to award Orolbai a performance bonus.
“The kimura? The kid that didn’t make weight? He didn’t make weight, he missed weight by 10lbs, he came over and told me after the fight he said ‘I’m gonna be a world champion some day’, I said ‘You better figure out how to make weight first before you (make that claim).’
“You can’t become a world champion if you come in 10lbs over weight,” White stated.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What are UFC performance bonuses?
- UFC performance bonuses are monetary awards given to fighters for outstanding performances during a UFC event,typically for “Fight of the night” or “Performance of the Night.”
- Why did Dana White award bonuses to Sadykhov and Motta?
- Dana White awarded bonuses to Nazim Sadykhov and Nikolas Motta due to their incredibly exciting and high-paced fight, which stood out on an or else lackluster card.
- Why wasn’t Myktybek Orolbai given a bonus?
- Myktybek Orolbai was not given a bonus because he missed weight by 10 pounds for his fight, which Dana White cited as a reason for the decision.
- How much did Sadykhov and Motta each receive?
- Both Nazim Sadykhov and Nikolas Motta each received $100,000 as a performance bonus.
- Where did the UFC baku event take place?
- The UFC Baku event took place in Baku, Azerbaijan, marking the first time the UFC held an event in the country.
