WEC 36 fighters get extra $7,500
After World Extreme Cagefighting invaded Florida for the first time, the promotion handed down fight bonuses that have become common place for the best performances of the night.
Each fighter receiving a bonus award was given $7,500 on top of their regular fight purse. MMAWeekly.com confirmed the bonuses with a WEC official late Wednesday night in Hollywood, Fla.
The WEC 36 Knockout of the Night seemed like a no brainer as Mike Brown was able to unseat Urijah Faber as the top featherweight in the world with a devastating punch in the first round of their championship matchup.
The WEC 36 Submission of the Night went to bantamweight fighter Rani Yahya, who got out of a tough spot of his own early in the fight to eventually finish Yoshiro Maeda with a guillotine choke at 3:30 in the first round of their bout.
The WEC 36 Fight of the Night on Wednesday night could end up as a fight of the year candidate after Donald Cerrone and Rob McCullough went to war in a pivotal lightweight showdown. In the end, Cerrone got the nod with a unanimous decision, but both fighters were able to benefit from the bonus after a phenomenal showing for the fans.
Although not one of the "of the Night" award bonuses, featherweight LeonardGarcia was handed a separate $7,500 bonus for his performance against former UFC lightweight champion Jens Pulver. He TKO'd Pulver slightly more than a minute into their televised bout.
WEC 36 Fight of the NightDonald Cerrone and Rob McCullough
WEC 36 Knockout of the NightMike Brown
WEC 36 Submission of the NightRani Yahya