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UFC middleweight Thales Leites had a great night at UFC 183 on Saturday evening in Las Vegas, Nevada. Not only did the Brazilian jiu-jitsu ace submit Tim Boetsch on the event's main card, but did it with enough style to claim both a Performance of the Night bonus as well as Fight of the Night award as well (along with Boetsch for the second award). Each bonus is worth $50,000, bringing Leites total bonus pay to $100,000.
UFC President Dana White announced the awards at the UFC 183 post-fight press conference.
Leites, 33, put on an action fight from the beginning with Boetsch. The two traded punches for much of the first round in wild exchanges with both doing visible damage to the other. By the second round, however, Leites was able to drag the fight to the floor where he passed to mount. He attempted a head and arm triangle submission on Boetsch's right side, but the American was somehow able to wiggle free. Undeterred, Leites switched to the other side where he was able to put Boetsch to sleep. The end came officially at 3:45 of the second round.
Since rejoining the UFC in August of 2013, Leites is undefeated through all five bouts. His MMA record climbs to 25-4 while Boetsch slumps to 18-8. Boestch earned $50,000 for being one half of the Fight of the Night alongside Leites.
The other fighter earning post-fight bonus money on Saturday was UFC welterweight Thiago Alves. The American Top Team striker hadn't competed since April of 2014 and had to face surging prospect Jordan Mein. The Canadian Mein was having success early, blasting Alves with rear uppercuts, hard leg kicks and claiming Octagon control. However, despite being hurt earlier in the round, Alves hung on long enough to drill Mein to the body with a kick that forced the Canadian to take a knee in pain. Alves pounced, finishing Mein at :39 of the second round.
Alves' professional record improves to 21-9 while Mein drops to 29-10. Alves earned $50,000 for his post-fight award.
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