The Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) once again dazzled fans with an electrifying night of fights at UFC 310, held at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. As the octagon became a battleground, fighters showcased their skills with some surprising outcomes and standout performances. While four fighters walked away with a coveted $50,000 bonus, the absence of recognition for veteran Michael Chiesa on his 37th birthday sparked conversations about the nature of these awards in the sport.
After one of the most action-packed cards to date, the UFC awarded bonuses to four fighters who left unforgettable impressions on the audience. First on the list was Kennedy Nzechukwu, who faced Lukasz Brzeski. The heavyweight contender didn’t waste time, finishing the fight with a technical knockout at the 4:51 mark of the first round. This win marked Nzechukwu’s second consecutive first-round finish since returning to the heavyweight division—a clear indication of his resurgence in the sport.
Chase Hooper joined the ranks of bonus recipients by defeating the veteran Clay Guida via submission in a dazzling display of technique. Hooper’s armbar victory at 3:41 of Round 1 not only showcased his grappling prowess but also resulted in an injury to Guida’s arm, underscoring the high stakes and dangers inherent in mixed martial arts. This achievement marked Hooper’s first bonus in two and a half years, affirming his comeback after his transition back to lightweight.
One of the night’s highlights came from Vicente Luque, who achieved a remarkable technical submission against Themba Gorimbo utilizing the D’Arce choke in just 52 seconds. This not only secured Luque’s victory but also placed him in the record books with the second-fastest D’Arce choke finish in welterweight history. With this victory, Luque collected his ninth bonus from the UFC, a testament to his consistency and skill in the octagon—placing him among the elite in the organization.
Meanwhile, Alexandre Pantoja showcased his ability to find solutions against top-tier competition by submitting Kai Asakura in the second round via rear-naked choke. Pantoja’s skillful grappling allowed him to finish the fight at 2:05, effectively calling out former champion Demetrious Johnson afterward. This demonstrated his ambitions and aspirations within the competitive landscape of the UFC’s flyweight division.
While these fighters celebrated their well-deserved bonuses, the omission of Michael Chiesa from this prestigious list raised eyebrows. Though Chiesa secured his second straight finish, he has not received a post-fight bonus in nearly nine years, leading to discussions about the criteria utilized by the UFC to determine bonus allocations. Many fans and analysts wonder whether notable fighters should receive recognition based solely on their experience and recent performances, particularly on a birthday marked by a noteworthy fight.
UFC 310 was nothing short of spectacular, filled with remarkable fights, impressive finishes, and an array of bonuses distributed to those who delivered unforgettable performances. As the organization continues to grow, the dialogue surrounding fighter recognition and awards remains an important topic of conversation among fans and analysts alike. The excitement of the evening serves as a reminder of why mixed martial arts captivates so many.