Dana White Breaking “Law” Costs UFC Star Shavkat Rakhmonov “$50,000” Despite Huge Win at UFC 285

UFC 285 was lit up with a lot of amazing performances. While Jon Jones established his reign once again over the heavyweight championship, there were fighters like Alexa Grasso and Shavkat Rakhmanov who became reasons to rejoice for UFC fans. Alexa Grasso went on to submit the much-favored Valentina Shevchenko and Shavkat Rakhmanov came out on top in a war against Geoff Neal. Geoff Neal had earlier missed weight, which is considered a mistake that generally calls for penal action. It was only because of his great performance in the Fight of the Night that got him an exemption from a hefty penalty.

Dana White, in a conversation with journalists, explained why Shavkat Rakhmanov couldn’t secure at least a $50,000 award bonus despite his opponent missing weight. Rakhmanov will not mind the loss much as he extended his winning streak to 17 fights.

Dana White explains penalties

Geoff Neal and Shavkat Rakhmanov turned out to be the Fight of the Night. The rewards were to be distributed between the fighters. Dana White, in his post-fight conference, warned Geoff Neal that he could have lost a significant amount for the violation of the law. He, however, did not penalize Neal after his amazing performance at UFC 285.

Read More: Jon Jones Reveals Toe Injury From Chael Sonnen That Delayed UFC 285 Fight Is Still One of the Chinks in His Armor

Dana said, “Well tonight was a big night for him obviously not just because he won but that he was in a dog fight and in a war and uh you know you guys saw at the weigh-ins that day he got a big pop at the weigh-ins already and then you go in and you beat a guy like Neil and you beat him the way that you did in an absolute you know when you think about all the things, that we love as fight fans it doesn’t get any better than, that’s why I’m paying it this kid didn’t make weight and it’s a rule it’s like it’s a law if you are a professional if you don’t show up here and you don’t make weight you don’t get a bonus period. 

Jon Jones donated his Bonus

While Dana White exempted Geoff Neal from a pay penalty, Jon Jones did something for the community with his award bonus. Jon Jones pledged his award bonus amounting to $50k, for community service in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Earlier when Jon Jones had a brush-up with authorities, he was sentenced to community service and now it seems the Heavyweight champion sees merit in the cause. Shavkat Rakhmanov may have lost some money because of Dana White’s decision, but he would sleep a happy man as he continues his winning streak. What’s your take on missing weights? Let us know.

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