UFC Vegas 102 Bonuses: Bonfim, Shahbazyan, and Main Event Warriors Cash In

UFC Vegas 102 delivered an action-packed night of fights, with three spectacular performances earning their respective athletes an extra $50,000 each. The UFC brass rewarded Gabriel Bonfim, Edmen Shahbazyan, and the main event duo of Jared Cannonier and Gregory Rodrigues for their outstanding efforts inside the Octagon.

Gabriel Bonfim: A Slick Submission Specialist

Gabriel Bonfim continued to impress in his young UFC career, securing a Performance of the Night bonus for his masterful submission victory over Khaos Williams. The Brazilian welterweight showcased his grappling prowess, locking in a tight D’arce choke that put Williams to sleep with just two seconds remaining in the second round.

Gabriel Bonfim put Khaos Williams to sleep in a scary scene at #UFCVegas102. 🫢 pic.twitter.com/9tdMQOBDzF

— SuperbeastCraig (@SuperbeastCraig) February 15, 2025

Bonfim’s victory was particularly noteworthy as he became the first fighter to finish the typically durable Williams. The win improved Bonfim’s record to 4-1 in the UFC, with three of those victories coming by way of stoppage.

In his post-fight interview, Bonfim expressed his gratitude and dedication to his craft. With 13 of his 17 professional wins now coming by submission, Bonfim is quickly establishing himself as one of the most dangerous grapplers in the welterweight division.

Edmen Shahbazyan: The Comeback Kid

Edmen Shahbazyan silenced his doubters with a spectacular first-round knockout of Dylan Budka, earning himself a Performance of the Night bonus and potentially saving his UFC career in the process. The 27-year-old middleweight entered the bout on a 2-5 skid in his last seven fights, desperately needing a win to regain his footing in the division.

Just look at how clean that footwork was and everything broooooooooo. Edmen Shahbazyan is so back bro. pic.twitter.com/AZyAfExQWy

— ⛰ Gear ⛰ (@GangeClergy) February 16, 2025

Shahbazyan, once touted as one of the brightest prospects in the sport, reminded fans and critics alike of his devastating power. The victory not only earned him the $50,000 bonus but also served as a statement that “The Golden Boy” is far from finished at the highest level of competition.

The win was particularly impressive given Shahbazyan’s recent struggles against top-tier competition. By dispatching Budka in such emphatic fashion, Shahbazyan has potentially set himself up for bigger opportunities in the middleweight division moving forward.

Jared Cannonier and Gregory Rodrigues: A Main Event War

The main event of UFC Vegas 102 lived up to expectations and then some, as Jared Cannonier and Gregory Rodrigues engaged in a thrilling back-and-forth battle that earned both men Fight of the Night honors. The middleweight contenders left it all in the Octagon, with Cannonier ultimately emerging victorious via fourth-round TKO.

Cannonier’s victory was a testament to his resilience and veteran savvy. After a rocky start that saw him dropped and badly outpointed in the opening round, “The Killa Gorilla” mounted an impressive comeback. He began to find his rhythm in the second round, utilizing his jab effectively and chopping away at Rodrigues’ legs.

As the fight progressed, Cannonier’s experience in five-round affairs became evident. He managed his energy expertly while Rodrigues’ early aggression began to wane. The end came just 21 seconds into the fourth round when Cannonier caught Rodrigues with a perfectly placed right hand that sent him crashing to the canvas.

JARED CANNONIER KNOCKS OUT GREGORY RODRIGUES IN ROUND 4!!!!!! #UFCVegas102 pic.twitter.com/h9hT1ZmIUi

— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) February 16, 2025

For Rodrigues, despite the loss, the Fight of the Night bonus serves as a consolation prize and a recognition of his valiant effort against a former title challenger. The Brazilian middleweight proved he belongs among the elite of the division, pushing Cannonier to his limits in a contest that will be remembered as one of the best fights of 2025.

The performance bonuses awarded at UFC Vegas 102 highlight the depth of talent and excitement that the UFC continues to deliver. Gabriel Bonfim’s slick submission skills, Edmen Shahbazyan’s thunderous knockout power, and the main event war between Jared Cannonier and Gregory Rodrigues all exemplify the best aspects of mixed martial arts.

These bonuses not only provide financial rewards for the athletes but also serve as motivation for future competitors to push their limits and deliver unforgettable performances. As the UFC moves forward in 2025, fans can expect more thrilling contests and highlight-reel finishes from hungry fighters looking to make their mark and earn those coveted $50,000 bonuses.