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MADISON SQUARE GARDEN, NEW YORK — UFC 309 featured some of the toughest fighters giving it their all in New York.
The main event saw Jon Jones successfully defend the UFC heavyweight title against former champion and heavyweight "G.O.A.T." Stipe Miocic.
Jones used leg kicks to attack the body of Miocic, who hadn't fought in two years. One liver shot later in the third, and it was all over. Miocic retired shortly after.
There was something special in the air through the night as the fighters elevated their games. With the UFC returning to the old gloves for PPV events, there were more knockouts compared to when the new gloves were adopted.
"HOW GOOD IS JONNY BONES?"@JonnyBones | #UFC309 pic.twitter.com/RFUsUppQfz
— UFC (@ufc) November 17, 2024The fighters took advantage, as they were ready to impress the fans, UFC CEO Dana White, and President-elect Donald Trump, who was in attendance. Following the event, there were plenty of performance bonuses to hand out.
White either gives a bonus to a few select fighters or multiple, depending on the situation. Who earned an additional $50,000 to their guaranteed purse?
Here's a breakdown of all the special winners at UFC 309.
UFC 309 post-fight bonus winners
Fight of the Night
Charles Oliveira vs. Michael Chandler
It may have seemed like a one-sided fight given the outside, but Charles Oliveira vs. Michael Chandler was an exciting bout that captivated the 20,000+ people in MSG.
It had been over 735 days since Michael Chandler competed inside the octagon. Oliveira used crafty offense, including multiple combinations, to neutralize Chandler. "Do Bronx" brought Chandler to the floor and almost ended the fight with multiple submission attempts.
WHAT A WAY TO THE END FIGHT FOR MICHAEL CHANDLER AND CHARLES OLIVEIRA 👏 #UFC309 pic.twitter.com/vPy2Hu4CDh
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) November 17, 2024To his credit, Chandler persevered, landing crisp shots of his own. Chandler looked like a man possessed in the fifth round, collecting the energy of the crowd who cheered him on all night. He fought out of multiple submission attempts and dropped him twice while on his back in the end.
Oliveira won via unanimous decision, but both felt like winners following an epic clash. Oliveira earned his 20th post-fight bonus, another UFC record for him. Chandler earned his fourth straight fight bonus.
Performance of the Night
Jon Jones
The UFC heavyweight champion was dominant against Stipe Miocic in his first fight since March 2023. Dana White has called him the greatest of all time, and it was hard to deny that statement following that performance.
For a full recap of his performance and all the action from UFC 309, click here for more.
Oban Elliott
About 40 seconds into the third round, Oban Elliot landed a massive right that crushed Bassil Hafez, putting him to the floor. He landed a few extra shots for good measure.
"The Welsh Gangster" has now won eight in a row.
BRONX'S OWN BRAHIMAJ SHOWED OUT IN NYC 💥 #UFC309 pic.twitter.com/dFTHdvDAK1
— ESPN MMA (@espnmma) November 17, 2024Ramiz Brahimaj
Right after the Elliott fight, Ramiz Brahimaj only needed one round to take out New Jersey's Mickey Gall. He landed a shot to the collarbone, followed by two hard shots to the face of Gall.
A DEVASTATING RIGHT HAND FROM OBAN ELLIOTT 👊 #UFC309 pic.twitter.com/lEITNsBet7
— ESPN MMA (@espnmma) November 17, 2024Brahimaj, from The Bronx, is now 2-2 in his last four fights.
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