Julian Erosa Earns $100,000 Bonus in Storybook MMA Farewell

Following the conclusion of the fight card in Las Vegas, UFC officials handed out four hefty performance bonuses, including one to the main event winner whose victory came after a controversial stand-up by the referee inside the Octagon.

Four fighters secured extra $100,000 paychecks for their standout showings at the UFC APEX. An additional two athletes were awarded $25,000 apiece for their early stoppage victories.

Performance of the Night: Tom Nolan ($100,000)

Tom Nolan found himself in deep water against Renato Moicano, who established heavy top control on the mat and hunted for submissions and ground strikes. However, following a brief eight-second lull in action during the second round, referee Dan Miragliotta controversially ordered both fighters to stand. That stripped Moicano of his dominant position and handed Nolan a lifeline. Nolan immediately seized the momentum against his fatigued opponent, securing a stoppage via technical knockout in the following round.

Performance of the Night: Julian Erosa ($100,000)

Julian Erosa walked into his clash with JeongYeong Lee knowing it would be the farewell fight of his professional career. Lee opened aggressively, dropping Erosa inside the opening 15 seconds. Erosa recovered swiftly and, roughly a minute later, landed a picture-perfect right hook that rocked his opponent. A quick flurry of follow-up punches sealed a fairy-tale knockout finish to his MMA career, complete with a $100,000 post-fight bonus.

Performance of the Night: Joe Kropschot ($100,000)

Joe Kropschot came close to finishing Nick Klein toward the end of the opening round before sealing the deal in the second. The fighter took full command on the canvas, forcing Klein to tap to a tight armbar to improve his career record to nine submission wins in ten victories. In his post-fight interview, Kropschot shared that he has an upcoming wedding, with the $100,000 purse set to cover the ceremony and honeymoon expenses.

Performance of the Night: Lucia Szabova ($100,000)

Lucia Szabova entered as the card's heaviest betting favorite at 9-to-1 against Tainara Lisboa and validated that billing in decisive fashion. While Lisboa put up a spirited fight, Szabova ultimately secured a stoppage finish with about a minute and a half remaining before the final bell in the event's opening bout.