UFC 288 bonuses: Taking fight on five days’ notice got Diego Lopes an extra $50,000
The UFC handed out four post-fight bonuses after Saturday’s card, including one to a fighter who saved a bout on five days’ notice.
After UFC 288, four fighters picked up an extra $50,000 for their performances in Newark, N.J. Check out the winners below.
Fight of the Night: Movsar Evloev vs. Diego Lopes
May 6, 2023; Newark, New Jersey, USA; Movsar Evloev (red gloves) fights Diego Lopes (blue gloves) during UFC 288 at Prudential Center. Mandatory Credit: Ed Mulholland-USA TODAY Sports
Movsar Evloev def. Diego Lopes via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 30-27)
Movsar Evloev (17-0 MMA, 7-0 UFC) had to give just about everything he had to beat promotional newcomer Diego Lopes (21-6 MMA, 0-1 UFC), who took the fight on just five days’ notice when Bryce Mitchell pulled out. Evloev was a massive favorite of nearly 10-1, but Lopes threatened him with deep submissions on multiple occasions. UFC president Dana White praised Lopes after the fight for his heart.
Performance of the Night: Yan Xiaonan
May 6, 2023; Newark, New Jersey, USA; Yan Xiaonan (blue gloves) react to defeating Jessica Andrade (red gloves) during UFC 288 at Prudential Center. Mandatory Credit: Ed Mulholland-USA TODAY Sports
Yan Xiaonan def. Jessica Andrade via TKO (punches) – Round 1, 2:20
Yan Xiaonan (17-3 MMA, 8-2 UFC) cemented herself as a legit contender in the women’s strawweight division when she beat former champion Jessica Andrade (24-11 MMA, 15-9 UFC) with a first-round TKO. When Andrade blitzed forward with a combination, Xiaonan drilled her with a punch coming in. The Brazilian hit the canvas immediately, and Xiaonan landed a couple quick punches there to get the finish – which was her first in the UFC after seven decision wins. The bonus was the first of her UFC career, as well.
Performance of the Night: Matt Frevola
May 6, 2023; Newark, New Jersey, USA; Matt Frevola (blue gloves) reacts defeating Drew Dober (red gloves) during UFC 288 at Prudential Center. Mandatory Credit: Ed Mulholland-USA TODAY Sports
Matt Frevola def. Drew Dober TKO (punches) – Round 1, 4:08
Matt Frevola (11-3-1 MMA, 5-3-1 UFC) became the first fighter to knock out Drew Dober (26-12 MMA, 12-8 UFC) when he caught him, dropped him, then put him away on the canvas for a first-round TKO. Although Dober disputed the stoppage, Frevola landed enough to convince Herb Dean to shut it down. The win was Frevola’s third straight first-round knockout – though the bonus was the first of his UFC career.
