UFC On ESPN 12: Fight Night Bonuses

There were no fans inside the UFC APEX Center for UFC on ESPN 12 on June 27. As a result, there was no gate for the event in Las Vegas.

On a night in which the UFC was preparing for “Fight Island”, the promotion put on fights that had everyone talking. Fighters were able to make a name for themselves in their debut while a Fight of the Year contender ended the night.

The aforementioned main event of Dustin Poirier v. Dan Hooker ended up earning the “Fight of the Night” bonus. For five rounds, the two went to war with one another, hitting shot after shot. Hooker would claim the early rounds, even though it was close. Poirier, however, would storm back with vicious shots and a variety of submission attempts. Poirier landed 222 shots while Hooker landed 182 through five rounds. In the end, Poirier would end up getting the win via unanimous decision (48-47, 48-47, 48-46).

They weren’t the only ones who earned the $50,000 bonus. 20-year-old Kay Hansen (7-3) faced off against former Invicta FC Atomweight Champion Jinh Yu Frey. Hansen would survive three rounds before locking in an armbar in the third for the win. She ended up helping someone who took a big bet on her.

At 2️⃣0️⃣ years old!@KayHansenMMA with nerves of steel in her debut!

📺 Action continues on @ESPN pic.twitter.com/5UyCmI7skU

— UFC (@ufc) June 27, 2020

The other bonus went to replacement fighter Julian Erosa. Replacing Kyle Nelson as a result of visa issues, Erosa (23-8) beat Sean Woodson in round three of their fight thanks to the D’Arce choke. A Dana White’s Contender Series alum, Erosa ended a three-fight losing streak.

The short-notice underdog! 😱

Talk about a way to introduce yourself to the Octagon, @JuicyJ_Erosa!

📺 Action continues on @ESPN and E+ pic.twitter.com/OyU7IklbLD

— UFC (@ufc) June 28, 2020