UFC 175 bonuses: Chris Weidman, Lyoto Machida claim Fight of the Night honors in instant classic

Chris Weidman and Lyoto Machida didn't simply put on one of the best title fights of the year in the main event at UFC 175, they also each earned $50,000 by claiming the Fight of the Night bonus for their five-round war.

Weidman, 30, took the fight to Machida early and often. He backed up the Brazilian by applying constant pressure through three rounds, which allowed him to avoid Machida's best strikes and throw kicks along with hand combinations.

But by the fourth round Weidman began to fade. Machida, 36, began to turn it on. As Weidman stopped pushing Machida backwards, the Brazilian used the opportunity to unload on Weidman, cracking him with blistering body kicks and continues punch combinations. He also managed to stop the takedown threat.

In the fifth, however, Weidman rebounded just enough. Machida was still able to score, but so was Weidman. More importantly, Weidman secured a takedown that came with a guard pass and back take before the final bell sounded.

In the end, Weidman won a unanimous decision, retaining his middleweight title. His record improves to 12-0 while Machida slides to 21-5.

Also earning Performance of the Night bonuses for their sensational stoppages were Ronda Rousey and Rob Font, who both also earned $50,000 each.

Rousey, 27, absolutely bulldozed Alexis Davis, 29, in a mere 16 seconds in the co-main event of the evening. Rousey opened meeting Davis in the center where the two traded jabs. It was Rousey who struck first, though, and followed up with a knee to the head that stunned Davis. Rousey immediately pounced, launching Davis to the canvas with a harai goshi. From there in scarf hold, Davis ate a series of unanswered punches that forced the referee's hand.

Rousey's record stays perfect at 10-0 while Davis falls to 16-6.

Last, but certainly not least, UFC newcomer Rob Font sent veteran George Roop packing with a crushing right hand that sent the WEC and UFC veteran crumpling to the mat. The two exchanged for the better part of the opening first half before Font faked Roop with side-to-side movement and a range-finding jab that sent up the fight ending punch. Once it landed, Roop fell forward, quickly prompting a referee stoppage.

Font climbs to 11-1 in MMA while Roop slides to 15-11-1.