Derrick Lewis just added another performance bonus to his long list of achievements in the UFC. The heavyweight contender knocked of Curtis Blaydes with a flush uppercut in the second round of their main event fight. In the process, Lewis pulled off the biggest main event upset since Michael Bisping over Luke Rockhold. He was also awarded a performance bonus for the shot.
However, there are three other fighters that Dana White has awarded bonuses to. Chris Daukaus knocked out heavyweight legend Aleksei Oleinik in the first round of their fight. Tom Aspinall also got a bonus for making former champion Andrei Arlovski tap out in the main card opener. Aiemann Zahabi knocked out Drako Rodriguez to get his bonus.
Performances of the Night:
Derrick Lewis
Chris Daukaus
Tom Aspinall
Aiemann Zahabi#UFCVegas19— Marc Raimondi (@marc_raimondi) February 21, 2021
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Derrick Minner was unable to finish his opponent in Charles Rosa, but had called out for a bonus anyway due to his dominance. That request seems to be unfulfilled. There were other bonus-worthy performances by Casey O’Neill and Julian Erosa.
READ MORE: Derrick Lewis Interested in Fighting Jon Jones and Stipe Miocic After Vicious KO Win
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Derrick Lewis: A bonus machine?
This was Derrick Lewis‘s fourth performance bonus in the UFC. He had previously gotten them over KO wins of Alexander Volkov, Marcin Tybura, Gabriel Gonzaga, and now, Curtis Blaydes. Lewis has a penchant for spectacular knockouts, as his pure power is very hard to overcome.
Blaydes did a good job, even winning the first round of their fight. However, one careless takedown attempt meant that he would have his lights closed out by a hellacious strike. This was Lewis’s 12th KO win, the most in UFC history. He is the leader in knockouts for the Heavyweight division.
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While he isn’t hunting to get massive bonuses every time he fights, Lewis is always looking for the finish. One of the main reasons may be the fact he hates to be inside the Octagon for long. However, if Lewis can continue knocking people out like this at age 36, who knows how many more bonuses may lie ahead for him still.
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