UFC president Dana White announced the recipients of the performance-based bonuses following Saturday’s UFC Vegas 42 fight card at UFC Apex in Las Vegas.
Fight of the Night: Max Holloway vs Yair Rodriguez
One of the most anticipated fights of the year delivered in spades. Max Holloway and Yair Rodriguez put on a 5-round technical brawl with “Blessed” coming out on top and reasserting himself as the No. 1 contender at featherweight.
In his first fight in two years, Yair Rodriguez came out quickly, chopping at Holloway’s lead leg and trying to limit the Hawaiian’s movement. However, as the fight went on, Holloway found his rhythm and started to swarm Rodriguez’ offense. In the third round, Holloway mixed in grappling and nearly locked up submissions, but the scrambles were high-level on both sides. Rodriguez went for the finish at the end and threw the kitchen sink at Holloway, but ultimately, “Blessed” showed he is still the best. At fight’s end, each man had earned one another’s respect, and Holloway set himself up for another title shot if that’s what he wants.
Twitter reacts to Max Holloway defeating Yair Rodriguez in slugfest at UFC Vegas 42
Performance of the Night: Khaos Williams
For the first time in a year, Khaos Williams displayed his one-shot power with a third-round knockout win over Miguel Baeza.
Baeza and Williams traded shots early, and Baeza found success with low leg kicks. Williams avoided a few leg lock submission attempts at the end of the first round, and in the second, he got closer and closer with his big shots. In the third round, Williams countered off a leg kick, and a right hook connected, crumpling Baeza. Williams followed up and earned the stoppage win.
Performance of the Night: Andrea Lee
Andrea Lee launched herself into the top-half of the flyweight rankings with a second-round TKO win over Cynthia Calvillo. Lee looked sharp early, putting together her strikes and flowing with combinations. She prevented Calvillo from getting any grappling going, and in the second round, Lee started to find a lot of success with body shots. Lee never slowed down, and Calvillo’s corner stopped the fight between the second and third rounds.
UFC Vegas 42 Bonuses: Max Holloway and Yair Rodriguez earn Fight of the Night
