Fabricio Werdum-Roy Nelson awarded Fight of the Night honors at UFC 143

The combined efforts of Fabricio Werdum and Roy Nelson resulted in a Fight of the Night award at UFC 143 after the two exchanged in a heavyweight war for three rounds. Nelson survived a submission attempt early by Werdum, though Werdum continued to be the more effective striker, landing several punches and kicks to the former Ultimate Fighter winner. Each was awarded $65,000 for their performances.

Werdum eventually went on to claim a decision victory, giving him a win in his return to the Octagon. Werdum’s last UFC appearance was a knockout loss to current UFC heavyweight champ Junior dos Santos.

Knockout of the Night went to the debuting Stephen “Wonderboy” Thompson with the undefeated fighter delivering a bone-crushing head-kick to Dan Stittgen late in the opening round. Similarly to his heavyweight counterparts the 6-0 prodigy earned $65k for the distinction.

Finally, Dustin Poirier grabbed Submission of the Night honors after locking Max Holloway up in a Triangle-Armbar combination. Poirier nearly finished the fight a few seconds earlier when he seemed to have Holloway’s arm bending every which way but normal but the fighter fought out of it. However, he comeback was short lived and resulted in the extra $65,000 for Poirier.

PHOTO CREDIT – UFC

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MMA Training Take: There really was no other options for these bonuses, outside of giving the Fight of the Night honor to Condit-Diaz. Werdum-Nelson really put on more of a war over their three rounds. Thompson showed he is an up-and-coming candidate in the welterweight division, and Poirier gave Holloway a rude welcome to the UFC.