On a card where just about every fight was entertaining, Brian Ortega’s TKO victory over 16-fight UFC veteran Thiago Tavares stood out the most.
Those two took home Fight of the Night honors at UFC Fight Night 68 in New Orleans after a memorable bout on the main card. Ortega, who was returning to action after almost a year on suspension for testing positive for a banned substance, overcame early trouble to down Tavares in the third round.
The 24-year old who goes by the nickname “T-City,” along with Tavares who was winning the first midway through, each took home $50,000.
Also taking home bonus money were Louisiana natives Shawn Jordan and Dustin Poirier, each of whom scored big victories on their native soil.
On the last prelim of the night Jordan scored one of the greatest knockouts in heavyweight history by landing a hook kick on Derrick Lewis. After a follow-up volley seconds later, Jordan — who played fullback for the national champion LSU team in the 2007 — got his arm raised in victory. He has now won three fights in a row.
In a catchweight fight, Poirier blitzed Yancy Medeiros early, dropping him with a pair of big shots within the opening minute. He then landed a body shot that signaled the end for the Hawaiian Medeiros, and the fight was stopped midway through the first round.
Poirier and Jordan were given Performance of the Night checks of $50,000 apiece.