UFC welterweight Matt Brown didn’t just put on a potential fight of the year performance in defeating Erick Silva in his hometown at UFC Fight Night 40 on Saturday night, he also claimed $100,000 by claiming two bonuses along the way. As announced by UFC President Dana White at the post-fight press conference, Brown was awarded one half of the Fight of the Night bonus as well as a Performance of the Night bonus, each worth $50,000. UFC bantamweight Johnny Eduardo earned the other Performance of the Night bonus by stopping top-ranked Eddie Wineland in the first round of their preliminary card bout.
Brown, 33, didn’t necessarily start off well as he was dropped by a brutal body kick, which allowed Silva to take his back. Despite several close submission attempts, Brown fought valiantly out of them and once the fight returned to the feet, began to break down Silva with a series of shot, inside strikes. The second round also featured back and forth action with both fighters landing heavy punches and Brown nearly scoring a submission finish, but somehow Silva was able to hang on. By the third round, however, Brown managed to close the show, picking off an obviously hurt and fatigued Silva against the cage with a barrage of strikes that forced referee Herb Dean to call the action at 2:11 of round 3.
Brown’s record moves to 21-11 in pro MMA while Silva drops to 16-5 with 1 no-contest.
Eduardo hadn’t fought since 2012, but his return to the sport went swimmingly as he bested fourth-ranked Eddie Wineland by first-round TKO. The Brazilian was having success early with his right hand and in a close-quarters exchange, Eduardo’s right hook landed flush on the American’s chin, visibly rocking his opponent. As Wineland backed up, Eduardo followed up with another unobstructed right hand that sent Wineland crashing to the mat. The end came 4:37 of the first round.
Eduardo jumps to 27-9 with the victory while Wineland slides to 21-10-1.