UFC's Daron Cruickshank wants bonus to buy 'zombie outbreak response vehicle'

Most prelim fighters pinch pennies as they work their way onto the main card, but Daron Cruickshank wants a new toy.

Cruickshank (13-3 MMA, 3-1 UFC), who meets Adriano Martins (24-6 MMA, 0-0 UFC) tonight on the MMAjunkie.com-streamed preliminary card of UFC Fight Night 32, hopes to earn a stoppage victory that will bring him a $50,000 bonus. He’s got shopping to do.

“I plan on trying to knock him out and winning a huge bonus and buying a Polaris Raptor so I can go off-roading all the time,” he told MMAjunkie.com Radio.

UFC Fight Night 32 takes place at Goiania Arena in Goiania, Goias, Brazil. Main-card fights air live on FOX Sports 1.

The 28-year-old Cruickshank makes his fifth octagon appearance at the event, and while his fan-friendly style has entertained audiences, it hasn’t brought him any extra money as far as the disclosed “Fight of the Night” checks doled out following UFC fight cards.

In his octagon debut at UFC on FOX 7, Cruickshank knocked out Henry Martinez with a picture perfect head kick. Unfortunately, he fought on the card alongside veteran Yves Edwards, who impressively knocked out his opponent with elbows and punches, and there went a potential reward.

Another payout might have been possible in a bout against striking specialist John Makdessi, but Cruickshank admits he made a several mistake going into the fight.

“I put his skills and ability on a pedestal, and I gave him too much respect,” he said. “I didn’t go after him like I normally do. That’s something I learned from that fight. Now, I barely watch tape and make the fight my own.”

Perhaps it helps that his current opponent is making his UFC debut and doesn’t have an extensive reel of fight footage to help opponents plan. Martins’ sole experience under the Zuffa umbrella is a decision over vet Jorge Gurgel in the now-defunct Strikeforce banner.

In any event, Cruickshank plans on adding to his highlight tape. With some luck, the bonus gods will be with him. ATVs aren’t just for having fun, after all.

“It’s the perfect zombie outbreak response vehicle,” he said.

He’s also got plans for who tags along when the stuff hits the proverbial fan.

“I’d definitely choose myself (in a zombie apocalypse), because I’m the ultimate,” Cruickshank said. “Uriah Faber, because he’s so positive, and he keeps a positive outlook on everything. And he’s kind of tiny, so he’s not going to eat a lot during survival. Michael Chiesa, because he’s got a huge beard, and it will protect him and everyone else, (and) Cristiano (Marcello), because he can triangle any zombie and rip their head off.”

For more on UFC Fight Night 32, stay tuned to the UFC Rumors section of the site.

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