Two events are now in the books for International Fight Week, with one to go. The Ultimate Fighter 23 Finale took place July 8, at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. Fans were treated to four knockouts, one submission, and a five round war in an exciting main event. Four fighters grabbed performance bonuses for their efforts.
Performance of the Night Bonuses
Doo Ho Choi picked up $50,000 for his impressive first round knockout of Thiago Tavares. Tavares controlled the action early with two takedowns and cage control. It looked as if it might be a long night for Choi until he spun off the cage, created some space, and executed a perfectly timed left-right combination that dropped Tavares. One more right on the ground and it was all over at 2:42 of the first round.
Tatiana Suarez earned $50,000 for her victory over Amanda Cooper. As expected, the fight quickly went to the mat where Suarez’ advantage was apparent. Suarez sunk in a beautiful D’Arce choke submission forcing Cooper to tap (by kicking referee John McCarthy) at 3:43 of the first round.
WATCH: Doo Ho Choi crushes Thiago Tavares with first round TKO https://t.co/mJNPUwWPXQ pic.twitter.com/fOO1JNO0C3
— FOX Sports: UFC (@UFCONFOX) July 9, 2016
Fight of the Night Performance Bonus
Joanna Jedrzejczyk and Claudia Gadelha each picked up $50,000 bonuses for their five round war in the Women’s Strawweight Championship title. Gadelha came out strong winning the first two rounds. She showed her grappling prowess by executing takedowns, guard passes, and ground-and-pound. She even scored a quick knockdown with a jab. However, the quick pace caught up with her in the third round when Jedrzejczyk stepped on the gas. Jedrzejczyk’s excellent Muay Thai proved too much for Gadelha as she landed punches, kicks, and elbows em masse throughout the last three rounds. She outstruck Gadelha 146 to 51 in the last three rounds. Jedrzejczyk won by unanimous decision.
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