The Dana White’s Contender Series alum earned a $50,000 “Performance of the Night” bonus for his spectacular finish of Terrance McKinney in a preliminary lightweight bout at UFC 283 in Rio de Janeiro on Saturday night. Bonfim put his foe away with a flying knee 2:17 into Round 2 in what will likely end up on many “Knockout of the Year” lists at year’s end.
Meanwhile, Jamahal Hill and Glover Teixeira received “Fight of the Night” honors and $50,000 apiece for their five-round battle in the evening’s headliner. Hill battered and bloodied Teixeira for the better part of five rounds, but the Brazilian veteran showcased his trademark resilience throughout the contest and survived until the final horn. Ultimately, it wasn’t enough, as Hill claimed the vacant light heavyweight throne in a unanimous decision triumph.
Finally, Jailton Almeida captured the evening’s other $50,000 “Performance of the Night” check for a technical knockout of Shamil Abdurakhimov at heavyweight. Almeida grounded his adversary with ease and took the back in Round 2, eventually forcing a stoppage at the 2:56 mark with a series of unanswered shots to the head.