Midnight Mania: Matador Miffed By UFC Penny-Pinching

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Ilia Topuria would like to see a larger reward for his incredible UFC 308 knockout win over Max Holloway (watch here).

It’s a historic win. Not only did Topuria become the first man to crack the legendary chin of the former champion, but in doing so, he stopped two of the best Featherweights ever back-to-back in violent fashion. It’s up for debate whether it’s the best pair of consecutive wins in MMA history, but it’s certainly high on the list!

Naturally, Topuria was one of three “Performance of the Night” bonus winners. That additional check typically earns the recipient an additional $50k, but especially big nights and spectacular wins have seen larger bonus. Holloway himself, for example, scored an extra $300k for knocking out Justin Gaethje back at UFC 300 … and then another $300k for “Fight of the Night” too! Topuria was similarly hoping for some extra scratch after living up to the hype, and he was disappointed in the immediate UFC 308 aftermath.

“I knock out Max Holloway and Dana only give me 50k,” Topuria said shortly after his knockout win. “I hope he’s going to give me a little bit more. I hope so. I’m putting my hope in Dana.”

Sometimes, fighters receive discretionary bonuses that aren’t announced to the public. These “locker room bonuses” are shrouded in mystery and secrecy, so it’s hard to say exactly how often they’re handed out or how much they’re worth. Likely, if any win is worthy, Topuria’s UFC 308 KO certainly qualifies.

In the interim, at least Topuria has a really dope mansion to hang out in and wait for any checks to clear.

Insomnia

There’s nothing like watching a legitimately world-class wrestler do his thing.

So many stories like this come out about fighters — it’s a miracle nothing worse has happened after a UFC fight.

Speaking of injuries and miracles … it’s unbelievable that Oralbai’s orbital isn’t broken.

I’m really curious to see the final numbers on how many tune into Mike Tyson vs. Jake Paul. I have a feeling it’s going to be massive, for better or worse.

An interim Featherweight title would be ridiculous, but I don’t blame Diego Lopes for shooting his shot.

Brandon Moreno joins the dope shorts club!

Karate Combat is definitely a better fit for Robelis Despaigne.

Slips, rips, and KO clips

I think I was just convinced that 12-6 elbows should be illegal again.

Ringside camera makes every shot seem more brutal.

Chris Camozzi has been in the combat sports game for a long time.

Random Land

Sometimes I think about the loss of marine life and get sad. Then, I order a poke bowl and continue to be part of the problem.

Midnight Music: Hip-hop, 1998

Sleep well Maniacs! More martial arts madness is always on the way.