The UFC has awarded $100,000 performance bonuses at UFC Vegas 118. Edgar Chairez and Ivo Baranewski each earned Performance of the Night honors, while Brendan Allen and Edmen Shahbazyan shared Fight of the Night recognition. All fighters who earned finishes without receiving a main bonus and who cleared the scales will receive $25,000.
Four fighters walked away from UFC Vegas 118 with bonus checks after the promotion handed out its standard performance awards following the June 7 event.
Edgar Chairez and Ivo Baranewski each pocketed $100,000 Performance of the Night bonuses, while middleweight contenders Brendan Allen and Edmen Shahbazyan split Fight of the Night honors and an equal payday. Additionally, any fighter who earned a finish outside of the main bonus pool and cleared the scales received $25,000.
Chairez, a 30-year-old flyweight from Mexico representing Entram Gym, carries a 13-6 record into the aftermath of his standout performance. Despite generating almost no takedown activity, the orthodox fighter known as "Puro Chicali" is a constant submission threat, averaging 1.3 submission attempts per 15 minutes, and lands significant strikes at a rate of 3.65 per minute.
Allen and Shahbazyan delivered the evening's most entertaining contest. Allen, ranked fifth at middleweight in the UFC, is a 30-year-old Kill Cliff FC product carrying a 26-7 record. Standing six-foot-two with a 75-inch reach, the orthodox finisher averages 3.59 significant strikes per minute at 53 percent accuracy and adds a consistent grappling dimension with 1.56 takedowns per 15 minutes. Shahbazyan, also 30 — sorry, 28 years old — brings a 16-5 record and trains out of Xtreme Couture. Known as "The Golden Boy," he shares Allen's six-foot-two frame and 75-inch reach and actually edges his opponent in striking rate at 3.8 significant strikes per minute, though his accuracy sits at 48 percent.
Why it matters
- Allen's Fight of the Night performance reinforces his standing as a top-five middleweight and a compelling contender at 185 pounds.
- Shahbazyan's share of the bonus signals a strong showing despite the result, keeping him relevant in a stacked division.
- Chairez's submission-oriented style earned him rare individual recognition and adds weight to his case for a step up in competition.
