Six fighters joined UFC® President Dana White at the UFC® on FOX: Shogun vs. Vera post-fight press conference – Nam Phan, Mike Swick, Lyoto Machida,Joe Lauzon, Mauricio “Shogun” Rua and Brandon Vera.
Swick earned Knockout of the Night for his triumphant return to the UFC®. After missing over two years due to injuries and illness, Swick engaged in an exciting slugfest with fellow TUF veteran DaMarques Johnson. After catching a Johnson kick in the second round, Swick tossed Johnson to the ground and used ground and pound to put Johnson to sleep.
Lauzon and Jamie Varner were awarded Fight of the Night for their crowd-pleasing, back-and-forth battle. The two lightweight standouts traded blows – and momentum – for nearly the entire 15 minutes before “J-Lau” sunk in a triangle choke that forced Varner to tap. For his trouble, Lauzon was also given Submission of the Night.
Each bonused fighter received $50,000 (with Lauzon taking home $100,000 for eanring both Fight of the Night and Submission of the Night).