On a night where the UFC’s title was unified before a packed house in Mexico City, it was the Brazilian Fabricio Werdum that stole the show.
The heavyweight interim champion not only became the first man to submit Cain Velasquez, he got paid an extra $50,000 for his performance in the main event at UFC 188 at the Arena Ciudad de Mexico. Werdum matched Velasquez’s intensity on the feet early, and took him apart late en-route to a third-round guillotine choke.
The 37-year old Werdum received one of two Performance of the Night bonuses handed out in UFC 188’s aftermath. The other went to Patrick Williams, who made quick work of Alejandro Perez during the prelims. Williams landed a big uppercut, and then snatched Perez’s neck in one relentless sequence, ending the fight just 23 seconds in.
The Fight of the Night went to Charles Rosa and Yair Rodriguez, who went three eye-popping back-and-forth rounds on the main card. Rodriguez ended up taking the split decision victory (29-28, 28-29, 29-28), but his showing boosted his stock in the UFC. Showing off his striking and his ability to scramble, Rodriguez upset Florida’s Rosa, who himself went out swinging.
The 22-year old Rodriguez and Rosa each took home $50,000 apiece.