Seven fighters attended The Ultimate Fighter 16 Finale post-fight press conference – Mike Ricci, Pat Barry, Colton Smith, Roy Nelson, Matt Mitrione, Mike Pyle and Dustin Poirier.
Barry earned Knockout of the Night for his second-round finish of fellow kickboxer Shane Del Rosario. After a back-and-forth first round, Barry landed a punch early in the second frame that had Del Rosario reeling. Barry followed up with a series of strikes that forced the referee to step in and halt the fight.
TJ Waldburger received Submission of the Night for his second-round victory over Nick Catone. Waldburger secured a triangle that quickly put Catone to sleep.
Tim Elliott and Jared Papazian took home Fight of the Night for their show-opening battle. The two flyweights engaged in an exciting brawl that left both fighters bloodied. At the end of three rounds, Elliott received the nod on all three judges’ scorecards.
Each bonused fighter received $40,000 for their efforts.
In addition to the traditional Fight Night bonuses, awards were announced for the best submission, knockout, and fight of the TUF 16 season. The winners were:
Submission – Jon Manley over James Chaney
Knockout – Mike Ricci over Neil Magny
Fight – Colton Smith vs. Eddy Eills
Each winner was awarded $25,000.