UFC hands out $30K bonuses at Fight Night in Nashville

By Damon Martin, MMAWeekly.com

Tyson Griffin (white trunks) prevailed over Rafael dos Anjos after three grueling rounds at UFC Fight Night 18. Courtesy of Zuffa  Hamlin: Bader earns win over Marrero  Martin: Griffin escapes danger for win  Hamlin: Miller rolls past Browning

Following the UFC's first appearance in Tennessee, the promotion handed down $30,000 bonuses to the best and the brightest of the night. A UFC official confirmed the awards and bonuses to MMAWeekly.com late Wednesday night.

UFC Fight Night 18 Fight of the Night netted both Tyson Griffin and Rafael dos Anjos a $30,000 bonus check after the two lightweights battled it out for three grueling rounds. Griffin survived a gruesome leg submission in the first round and used his strong stand-up to pick up the unanimous decision win.

Rob Kimmons made the most of his second fight in the UFC, as he choked out opponent Joe Vedepo with a guillotine choke, also earning a bonus for Submission of the Night.

Former All-American wrestler Aaron Simpson may soon gain a reputation as a knockout artist. The Arizona Combat Sports fighter racked up a $30,000 Knockout of the Night bonus for his win over Tim McKenzie. This is the second straight fight that Simpson showed impressive power getting the knockout to compliment his tremendous ground skill.

UFC FIGHT NIGHT 18 AWARDS AND BONUSES

Fight of the Night: Tyson Griffin vs. Rafael dos Anjos

Submission of the Night: Rob Kimmons

Knockout of the Night: Aaron Simpson

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