Aubin-Mercier, Magomedsharipov headline UFC 223 bonuses
Olivier Aubin-Mercier and Chris Gruetzemacher earned Performance of the Night bonuses for their work at UFC 223, while Zabit Magomedsharipov and Kyle Bochniak won Fight of the Night, Dana White announced at the post-event press conference.
Though Magomedsharipov won all three rounds on the judges' scorecards, Bochniak never backed down from his opponent, screaming in his face after absorbing strikes as the bout went on. Magomedsharipov, in just his third UFC fight, also won the Performance of the Night bonus in his previous two fights.
Related: Magomedsharipov survives late barrage to win decision over Bochniak
Aubin-Mercier had the first knockout win of his career, ending Evan Dunham's night at the 53-second mark of the first round.
Great knee to the body by Olivier Aubin-Mercier to set up the finish!! #ufc223 pic.twitter.com/qGNVaV5Zxo
— '03 Kliff Kingsbury (@fearthe_beard11) April 8, 2018
Gruetzemacher ended a two-fight losing streak by dominating Joe Lauzon for two rounds before the latter's corner called for a stoppage before the third frame.
Joe Lauzon's corner stops the fight after being pieced up by Chris Gruetzemacher. #UFC223 pic.twitter.com/ZWpg6vNnVR
— UFC 223 on BT Sport (@btsportufc) April 8, 2018