Following the conclusion of their first occasion in Saudi Arabia on Saturday, UFC officers introduced the recipients of the coveted performance-based bonuses. 4 fighters had been awarded an additional $50,000 for his or her octagon efficiency: Robert Whittaker Volkan Oezdemir, Shara Magomedov, and Felipe Lima.
Efficiency Of The Evening: Robert Whittaker
Making good on his promise to struggle anybody, wherever, Robert Whittaker didn’t again down when confronted with harmful newcomer Ikram Aliskerov as a short-notice alternative for Khamzat Chimaev. He didn’t even want a full two minutes to search out the chin of his opponent with a swift uppercut that rocked the person driving a 7-fight win streak into the primary occasion. Whittaker famous he’d be thinking about being the backup fighter for the middleweight championship struggle in Perth this August, and after peformances like this, who of their proper thoughts would say no?
Efficiency Of The Evening: Volkan Oezdemir
It was laborious to be extra succinct than Jon Anik when he yelled “Volkan Oezdemir stretchers Johnny Walker!” midway by means of the primary spherical of the primary struggle of the primary card. Everybody knew the explosive potential of the bout going into it, however the consequence and the way in which it performed out nonetheless managed to be utterly stunning. “No Time is again” declared Oezdemir. Certainly.
Efficiency Of The Evening: Shara Magomedov
Regardless of being a short-notice alternative, Antonio Trocoli’s measurement and energy stored him within the warmth of the motion for a lot of the scheduled fifteen minutes, however the undefeated Shara “Bullet” Magomedov seems to be each little bit of the unstoppable freight practice he has been touted as, halting his opponent by vicious knockout late within the remaining body.
Efficiency Of The Evening: Felipe Lima
The primary end of the UFC Saudi Arabia prelims was fittingly the primary win the UFC profession of the younger Brazilian Felipe Lima who made his short-notice UFC debut in opposition to an unimaginable recreation Muhammad Naimov who led on the scorecards earlier than Lima noticed his opening for the rear bare choke. “It was a rollercoaster,” stated Lima, who solely acquired the telephone name on Monday to hitch the promotion. “However I’m very joyful.”
