UFC 144 Fighter Bonuses from Japan

The Ultimate Fighting Championship handed out $65,000 bonuses for in-Octagon performances at UFC 144: Edgar vs. Henderson at the Saitama Super Arena in Japan on Saturday.

Anthony Pettis, Vaughan Lee, Benson Henderson, and Frankie Edgar took home the extra income.

Fight of the Night honors went to the main event fighters, Frankie Edgar and Benson Henderson.  They fought a back-and-forth battle for five rounds.  Henderson used his kicks and takedown defense to garner a unanimous decision victory and capture the UFC lightweight championship.

The Knockout of the Night award went to lightweight contender Anthony Pettis for his 54-second highlight reel knockout of Joe Lauzon to kick off the pay-per-view portion of the UFC 144 fight card.  Pettis faked low and went high, landing a high kick flush on the jaw of Lauzon.  Lauzon crashed to the canvas and the fight was over.

The Submission of the Night bonus was awarded to Englishman Vaughan Lee.  Norifumi “Kid” Yamamoto was a hero of Lee’s heading into their UFC 144 match-up.  Lee came back from some early adversity to submit Yamamoto with an arm bar in the closing minute of the first round.

A total of $260,000 in bonus money was awarded following UFC 144: Edgar vs. Henderson.

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