The UFC returned with the first event of 2023 on January 14th. Sean Strickland stepped in on short notice replacing Kelvin Gastelum. Strickland vs Imavov was your main event at 205lbs, a weight class new to both men. The event delivered great performances with a 50k bonuses handed to four fighters.
Strickland impressed however he was not fortunate enough to pick up a performance bonus. Dan Ige in the co main, Roman Kopylov, Umar Nurmagomedov and Allan Nascimento earlier in the evening all took how 50k bonuses.
Dana White Gives Out 50k Bonuses
Dan Ige Round Two KO
Coming into this co-main event slot, Ige was on a three fight winless run, and his back was seemingly against the wall. His opponent Damon Jackson was on a four fight win streak. With the nickname 50k you know that Ige has power, and he showed this with a great left hook in the final minute of round 2. A devastating walk off KO rightly deserving of a 50k bonus. After a great performance Dan Ige, I think a fight with Georgian star Giga Chikadze later on this year would be sensational.
Roman Kopylov Round Two TKO
The Russian Middleweight had a great spot on the main card to make a statement against Punahele Soriano, who also boasts a 9-2 record. Midway into the second round Kopylov landed some great work to the body, which was the beginning of the end for Soriano. Kopylov got the TKO with a great left body kick and the referee stepping in. Roman Kopylov has back-to-back wins in the organisation Armen Petrosyan could be a great next step in 2023.
Umar Nurmagomedov Round One KO
The streaking Russian superstar delivered a violent KO at the end of the first round against Raoni Barcelos to earn a 50k Bonus. Nurmagomedov controlled the fight brilliantly then landed a lethal left hook put Barcelos onto the canvas out cold. A truly stunning KO to start the year off for Nurmagomedov will be hunting the higher rankings in 2023. Bantamweight is one of the deepest divisions in the sport and there are many names for Umar Nurmagomedov. Song Yadong carries significant power in his hands and would be a great test in springtime.
Allan Nascimento Round One Submission
Coming off a dominant win over Jake Hadley, Nascimento looked for back to back wins in the UFC. With former lightweight champion and submission king Charles Oliveira in his corner, Nascimento has a great team behind him. Nascimento made his coach proud with a wonderful rear naked choke submission in the first round. It was reminiscent of Oliveira’s win at UFC 269 over Dustin Poirier. Sumudaerji has not been in the cage since his war with Matt Schnell in July last year Allan Nascimento could find himself facing the Tibetan Eagle next time he enters the octagon.
Do you think Dana White handed out the correct bonuses?
Featured image credits to Embed from Getty Images
