The recent UFC Fight Night 252 event showcased an electrifying atmosphere rife with intense matchups, culminating in sensational performances that left fans on the edge of their seats. The UFC awarded four performance bonuses, with each fighter receiving an additional $50,000 for their outstanding displays inside the Octagon. However, a glaring inconsistency was evident—only one fighter from the prelims received a bonus, notwithstanding the fact that all seven undercard bouts ended by finish. This left fans pondering the criteria for selecting bonus recipients.
Ricky Simon, stepping onto the canvas as a 2-1 underdog, faced off against the formidable Javid Basharat. Initially, odds seemed stacked against Simon, whose knockout at 3:58 of the first round shocked many. With precision and timing, Simon unleashed a devastating two-punch combination that sent Basharat crumbling to the mat, effectively cementing his place as a standout on the card. This victory not only demonstrated Simon’s skill set but also highlighted his resilience and capacity to rise to the occasion against the odds.
In the featherweight division, Jean Silva continued to build his reputation as one of the most thrilling prospects. Facing Melsik Baghdasaryan, Silva maintained his perfect record, achieving a TKO victory in the first round at 4:15. Showcasing a relentless combination of speed and power, Silva has now achieved four stoppages in his four UFC appearances, earning accolades as he climbs the ranks. His recent performances suggest an intriguing future, as he consistently finds ways to dominate his opponents.
Alonzo Menifield entered the Octagon against newcomer Julius Walker in a highly competitive light heavyweight clash. This bout underscored the level of determination and skill among the fighters, as both competitors pushed their limits. The fight, which resulted in a split decision (30-27, 28-29, 29-28), showcased a back-and-forth dynamic, with each fighter taking turns to assert dominance throughout the rounds. Ultimately, Menifield emerged victorious, demonstrating his ability to adapt and thrive under pressure.
Despite the thrilling finishes and fierce competition displayed in the preliminary bouts, the UFC’s decision to award only one bonus from this segment raises questions regarding their selection process. With every fight yielding a finish, it seems counterintuitive to overlook the efforts of these fighters who equally contributed to the night’s excitement. The UFC must take note of this discrepancy moving forward, as rewarding fighters from preliminary rounds not only acknowledges their skill but also encourages high-stakes performances across all events.
As the dust settles on UFC Fight Night 252, the performances of Ricky Simon, Jean Silva, and Alonzo Menifield stand out, signaling resilience, talent, and growth. Fans and analysts alike will be eager to see how these fighters capitalize on their momentum in future bouts, and whether the UFC will revise its bonus distribution approach to better recognize all aspects of its fight cards.