UFC

UFC Mexico Performance Bonuses: Four Fighters Shine in Mexico City

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By
Garrett Kerman
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Garrett Kerman Sports Editor

Garrett Kerman also goes by the name of The Fight Analyst. He covers all combat sports, from MMA, to boxing, to even bare-knuckle. He is also very well-versed in all American sports when it comes to news and betting analysis. Whether you want betting advice or some breaking news, Garrett is your guy.

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Published31 Mar 2025

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manuel torres

UFC Fight Night Mexico delivered electrifying finishes and emotional moments at Arena CDMX in Mexico City. While the event lacked a Fight of the Night bonus, four fighters earned $50,000 Performance of the Night awards for their spectacular displays. These bonuses highlighted the night’s most memorable finishes, including two debuting fighters who made an immediate impact. Below is a recap of each bonus winner’s performance.

Edgar Chairez: Emotional Submission Victory

Edgar Chairez secured a first-round submission victory over C.J. Vergara in one of the most emotional moments of the night. Originally scheduled for the prelims, Chairez’s fight was elevated to the main card, and he seized the opportunity in front of his home crowd. Chairez dropped Vergara twice with powerful strikes before taking his back and locking in a rear-naked choke to force the tap at 2:30 of Round 1.

After the win, Chairez broke down in tears, dedicating his performance to his late grandfather, who had sold his truck to pay for Chairez’s surgery a year ago. The victory marked his second UFC win and eighth career submission, solidifying him as a rising star in the flyweight division.

David Martinez: Surgical Knockout in Debut

David Martinez made an unforgettable UFC debut with a first-round TKO victory over Saimon Oliveira. Fighting in front of his hometown crowd, Martinez showcased precision and power, landing a brutal knee strike followed by hammerfists to secure the finish at 4:38 of Round 1.

Known as “The Black Spartan,” Martinez entered the bout as a heavy favorite and lived up to expectations with his clinical performance. Outside of fighting, Martinez is an orthopedic surgeon, balancing his medical career with MMA. His knockout victory not only earned him $50,000 but also established him as a promising bantamweight prospect.

Ateba Gautier: Explosive Knee KO

Middleweight newcomer Ateba Gautier delivered one of the most violent finishes of the night in his UFC debut against Jose Daniel Medina. Gautier ended the fight with a perfectly timed standing knee that knocked Medina out cold at 3:32 of Round 1.

Gautier’s debut mirrored his performance on Dana White’s Contender Series last September, where he earned his contract with another highlight-reel knockout. With this victory, Gautier improved to 8-1 and announced himself as a dangerous addition to the middleweight division.

Manuel Torres: Dominant Co-Main Event Finish

Manuel Torres capped off an incredible night for Mexican fighters with a dominant first-round TKO over veteran Drew Dober in the co-main event. Torres dropped Dober with a straight right hand before unleashing a barrage of hammerfists that forced the stoppage at just 1:45 into Round 1.

This victory marked Torres’ fourth UFC win and arguably the biggest of his career. Fighting out of Entram Gym, Torres has developed into one of Mexico’s most exciting lightweight contenders. His $50,000 bonus further cemented his reputation as an aggressive finisher capable of competing against elite opponents.

UFC Mexico proved to be a showcase for rising talent and established stars alike. With Edgar Chairez’s heartfelt submission, David Martinez’s surgical knockout, Ateba Gautier’s explosive debut, and Manuel Torres’ dominant co-main event finish, these fighters not only earned bonuses but also left lasting impressions on fans worldwide. Each performance highlighted why Mexico continues to be a hotbed for MMA talent.