UFC Mexico bonuses: Fresh faces take home $100K checks

Imanol Rodriguez enjoyed a memorable UFC debut in Mexico City. | Getty/UFC


It was a night for new blood when it came to post-fight bonuses at UFC Mexico .

Octagon newcomer Imanol Rodriguez earned a $100,000 “Performance of the Night” bonus for his stoppage of Kevin Borjas in a flyweight tilt. Rodriguez survived being floored twice in the opening stanza before dropping his foe with an overhand right near the fence in Round 2. A barrage of follow-up shots sealed his victory at the 4:21 mark of the period.

An Upset and a Short-Notice Slugfest

Elsewhere, British prospect Lone'er Kavanagh garnered a $100,000 “Performance of the Night” bonus for his upset of Brandon Moreno in the main event. Kavanagh relied on his jab, leg kicks and solid takedown defense to earn a unanimous decision triumph over the two-time flyweight champion.

Finally, Regina Tarin and Ernesta Kareckaite received “Fight of the Night” honors and $100,000 apiece for their three-round battle at a 130-pound catchweight. Tarin, who accepted the bout on just a few days’ notice, emerged with a unanimous decision triumph.