Timur Valiev’s gutsy comeback after a near-stoppage at the hands of Raoni Barcelos took “Fight of the Night” honors at UFC Vegas 30.
The pair of $50,000 checks handed out after Saturday’s event was one of four performance bonuses of the same size awarded by the UFC.
After getting dropped twice by punches in the second round, Valiev battled back and outworked Barcelos to capture a majority decision. Valiev paid tribute to his coach and mentor Frankie Edgar – known for similar comebacks – before demanding bigger opportunities from UFC matchmaker Sean Shelby.