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The UFC handed out four bonuses after Saturday’s card, rewarding a fantastic featherweight fight that went the distance and two impressive finishes.
Four fighters picked up an extra $50,000 for their performances at UFC Fight Night 256 inside the UFC Apex in Las Vegas. Check out the winners below.
Performance of the Night: Denise Gomes
Denise Gomes def. Elise Reed via TKO (punches) – Round 2, 0:30
The seven-fight preliminary card delivered six finishes, but only one bonus winner. Powerful strawweight Denise Gomes (11-3 MMA, 5-2 UFC) picked up her third finish in seven UFC fights as she extended her current winning streak to three. Elise Reed (8-5 MMA, 4-5 UFC) fell victim to a barrage of heavy strikes early in Round 2, prompting the refree to step in and call the fight off just 30 seconds after the first break.
Performance of the Night: Michael Morales
Michael Morales def. Gilbert Burns via TKO (punches) – Round 1, 3:39
Undefeated and rapidly becoming undeniable, Michael Morales (18-0 MMA, 6-0 UFC) proved himself to be a true contender in the UFC’s welterweight division by doing something to Gilbert Burns (22-9 MMA, 15-9 UFC) that hasn’t happened since 2018. Morales patiently waited for his openings, but when he saw them, he capitalized with powerful, accurate striking. After dropping Burns once, Morales emptied the tank to send the former title challenger cowering to the canvas a second time to score a first-round TKO stoppage in the main event.
Fight of the Night: Melquizael Costa def. Julian Erosa
Melquizael Costa def. Julian erosa via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
The main card opener may have ended a run of six straight finishes, but it delivered an incredible war between Melquizael Costa (24-7 MMA, 5-2 UFC) and Julian Erosa (31-12 MMA, 9-8 UFC). The featherweights stayed within striking distance for nearly all 15 minutes of the fight. Even though Costa excelled in the first two rounds, Erosa refused to go away quietly, bringing a relentless forward pressure from the beginning to the end of the third round.
#Michael #Morales #Denise #Gomes #rewarded #TKOs
