LAS VEGAS, NEVADA- That’s tough. (Get it?)
Mairon Santos scored the biggest win of his young career at UFC Vegas 96 last night (Sat., Aug. 24, 2024), when he viciously slept Kaan Ofli in the first round to win The Ultimate Fighter 32 Featherweight finale from inside the UFC Apex in Las Vegas (watch highlights!).
As soon as Santos landed his nasty counter-left hook that shut Ofli’s lights off, it seemed like a lock that the 24-year-old Brazilian would get a Performance of the Night bonus. However, after the main event ended and the bonuses were announced, his name was not on the list.
Rightfully so, Santos hopped on Twitter to question it.
“Where’s my bonus,” Santos wrote.
Where’s my bonus
— Mairon “The Legend” Santos (@Maironsantoss) August 25, 2024
During his post-fight interview with the media, Santos revealed what he would have done with the extra money.
“If I win the bonus, I’m going to save it because my wife is pregnant, so I have to save it for the baby,” Santos said. “I never thought that far, but my plan right now is to focus on my baby and my career.”
For some reason, UFC doesn’t like to give bonuses to “Prelims” fighters, which is weird because those fighters need the extra cash the most. In this case, Santos was on the main card and was a TUF winner but still didn’t get it. For example, Mohammed Usman received a Performance of the Night bonus for his knockout of Zac Pauga in 2022 when he won TUF, but Santos didn’t. It makes no sense.
Justice for Santos!!!
For complete UFC Vegas 96 results, coverage, and highlights, click HERE.