Charles Oliveira’s first-round statement nets $50,000

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The UFC handed out four post-fight bonuses after Saturday’s card, including one to its all-time record holder in finishes.

After UFC 289, five fighters raised an additional $50,000 for their performances in Las Vegas. Check out the winners below.

“Performance of the Night”: Stephen Erceg

June 10, 2023; Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada; Stephen Erceg moves in with a kick as David Dvorak defends during UFC 289 at Rogers Arena. Mandatory Credit: Sergei Belski - USA TODAY Sports

June 10, 2023; Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada; Stephen Erceg moves in with a kick as David Dvorak defends during UFC 289 at Rogers Arena. Mandatory Credit: Sergei Belski – USA TODAY Sports

Australian Stephen Erceg represented well in Canada putting in a fantastic performance on his UFC debut against David Dvorak. The flyweight fight was intense from start to finish, but it was underdog Erceg’s performance that turned heads and caught the attention of UFC bosses who decided to award him $50,000 for his funny unanimous decision victory.

“Performance of the Night”: Mike Malott

June 10, 2023; Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada; Mike Malott applies a hold against Adam Fugitt during UFC 289 at Rogers Arena. Mandatory Credit: Sergei Belski - USA TODAY Sports

June 10, 2023; Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada; Mike Malott applies a hold against Adam Fugitt during UFC 289 at Rogers Arena. Mandatory Credit: Sergei Belski – USA TODAY Sports

Tasked with holding down the fort as the last Canadian fighter on the map, Mike Malott had a little pressure on his shoulders. It wasn’t a problem for Malott, however, as he delivered on his promise to finish Adam Fugitt. Despite not being able to secure his sixth consecutive first-round finish, Malott had to settle for a second frame submission worthy of his second consecutive Performance of the Night bonus.

“Performance of the Night”: Charles Oliveira

June 10, 2023; Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada; Charles Oliveira lands a hit against Beneil Dariush during UFC 289 at Rogers Arena. Mandatory Credit: Sergei Belski - USA TODAY Sports

June 10, 2023; Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada; Charles Oliveira lands a hit against Beneil Dariush during UFC 289 at Rogers Arena. Mandatory Credit: Sergei Belski – USA TODAY Sports

Former UFC lightweight champion Charles Oliveira has made a statement upon his return after losing his title. Standing on his way to gold was the Beneil Dariush who entered as the winner of eight straight fights. Oliveira entered the cage on a mission and finished Dariush in the first round with powerful punches to extend his all-time UFC record, which now stands at 20. Saturday’s bonus is 19th in the total for Oliveira in his rich career.

“Fight of the Night”: Marc-André Barriault vs. Eryk Anders

June 10, 2023; Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada; Marc-André Barriault lands a hit against Eryk Anders during UFC 289 at Rogers Arena. Mandatory Credit: Sergei Belski - USA TODAY Sports

June 10, 2023; Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada; Marc-André Barriault lands a hit against Eryk Anders during UFC 289 at Rogers Arena. Mandatory Credit: Sergei Belski – USA TODAY Sports

The UFC 289 main card opener was a middleweight clash between two tough fighters who don’t like to back down from exchanges. Marc-André Barriault and Eryk Anders did just that in 15 minutes, creating a memorable opener for Vancouver fans. Barriault walked away with a show of hands as the winner of a unanimous decision, but both fighters earned an additional $50,000 for their performance in the intense battle.

The story originally appeared on MMA Junkie

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