UFC 278 Post-Fight Awards: Leon Edwards Earns Bonus for Hail Mary Knockout

On top of winning himself the Ultimate Fighting Championship welterweight title after completing one of the most miraculous comebacks in UFC history, Leon Edwards banked an additional $50,000 for his efforts.

Going into the fifth round, Edwards was losing three rounds to one on all three judges’ score cards before landing a left high-kick to the head of Kamaru Usman, and claiming the title in the final minute of the fight. In his post-fight interview with Joe Rogan, Edwards belted out “look at me now!” in celebration of his first world championship.

A gritty three round contest between middleweights Luke Rockhold and Paulo Costa claimed “Fight of the Night” honors, and they also will take home an extra $50,000. Each man slugged it out for 15 minutes, expending seemingly all of their energy en route to a unanimous decision victory for the Brazilian.

Rockhold announced his retirement from mixed martial arts after the fight, but he’ll exit the Octagon for a final time with a post-fight bonus after earning his second career fight of the night honor.

Victor Altamirano was the final recipient of the performance bonus after his first-round knockout of Daniel Lacerda. Altamirano rallied back after being knocked down early in the opening frame, moving to 1-1 in the UFC with the conquest.