Robert Whittaker Doubles Down on UFC Melbourne Fighter Bonuses
Not only did Robert Whittaker take the victory in an explosive UFC Fight Night 101 main event on Saturday night in Melbourne, Australia, he also doubled down on the post-fight honors.
When UFC officials announced the UFC Melbourne fighter bonuses, Whittaker found his name on the list… twice.
Whittaker weathered the explosive first-round knockout power of Derek Brunson, who had finished his four most recent opponents in the opening frame of the fight. Not only did he weather the storm, he turned the tables on Brunson.
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Matching Brunson punch-for-punch, power-for-power, and trumping him with a kick to the head, Whittaker was the one to score a first-round finish. He split Fight of the Night honors with Brunson, but also earned a Performance of the Night bonus for his effort.
The other Performance of the Night bonus went to Tyson Pedro, who upset Khalil Rountree in the second bout on the main card in Melbourne. Pedro sunk a fight-ending rear-naked choke in the first round.
Each post-fight award is accompanied by a $50,000 bonus check. So, while Brunson and Pedro each earned $50,000, Whittaker's two bonuses combined for an extra $100,000. The money should come in handy, as Whittaker and his wife are expecting a child in the next couple weeks.
Fight of the Night: Robert Whittaker vs. Derek Brunson
Performance of the Night: Robert Whittaker
Performance of the Night: Tyson Pedro
