The UFC returned to Bridgestone Arena in Nashville on July 12, 2025, delivering a night packed with excitement, including a lightning-fast main event finish by Derrick Lewis and several thrilling bouts. Following the event, four fighters were awarded $50,000 performance bonuses, recognizing their standout efforts and adding to the prestige of UFC Fight Night: Lewis vs. Teixeira.
In an epic display of resilience and striking skill, Morgan Charriere and Nate Landwehr took home the coveted Fight of the Night honors. Their featherweight clash was a relentless back-and-forth affair that kept fans on the edge of their seats. Charriere ultimately secured a third-round TKO to cap their war, a result that underscored the gritty, visceral nature of the contest. UFC commentators praised both fighters for their tenacity and heart. Charriere reflected post-fight, “It was a battle. Nate pushed me to my limits, and I’m honored to have shared the Octagon with him tonight.”
The Performance of the Night bonuses were awarded to two fighters who impressed with their dominant finishes. Valter Walker earned his first UFC bonus thanks to a slick first-round submission of Kennedy Nzechukwu, extending his consecutive heel hook mastery with three straight victories via the technique. Walker’s grappling prowess was a key highlight of UFC Nashville, and the bonus validated his growing reputation as a submission specialist. “Getting that recognition means a lot,” Walker said. “I’m just focused on continuing to evolve and challenge the best.”
On the women’s side, Fatima Kline captured a $50,000 bonus after delivering a clinical third-round TKO of Melissa Martinez. The strawweight showcased her striking versatility and impeccable timing, culminating in a highlight-reel head kick that sealed the victory. Kline’s aggressive yet measured approach was widely lauded by analysts and fans alike. “This is just the beginning,” Kline stated confidently. “I’m hungry to prove myself on bigger stages and climb the rankings.”
Notably absent from the bonus recipients, however, was Derrick Lewis. Despite his explosive 35-second knockout of Tallison Teixeira in the main event, Lewis was left out of the post-fight bonuses a surprising decision considering his status as the UFC’s all-time knockout leader. Many fans speculated that the brief nature of the fight and the controversial stoppage influenced the judges. Still, Dana White lauded Lewis’s relentless approach and charisma as vital to the UFC’s heavyweight scene.
The four $50,000 bonuses at UFC Nashville highlight the sport’s appreciation for both gritty, sustained battles and spectacular individual finishes. The financial rewards serve as an added incentive for fighters to leave everything in the Octagon, enhancing the fan experience and raising the stakes.
UFC Nashville also demonstrated the rising international talent and the deepening competitiveness across divisions. With veterans mixing it up alongside exciting newcomers like Walker and Charriere, the event showcased a promising blend of skill and heart.
As the UFC shifts focus to upcoming Pay-Per-View events and marquee matchups, the fighters rewarded at Nashville will look to leverage their bonuses as momentum builders for their careers. These awards, beyond their immediate financial benefits, often serve as launching pads toward title contention and higher-profile fights.
In summary, UFC Nashville’s performance bonuses honored four fighters who captivated audiences through thrilling exchanges and technical mastery: Morgan Charriere and Nate Landwehr with Fight of the Night, and Valter Walker and Fatima Kline with Performance of the Night awards. Their efforts embodied the spirit of mixed martial arts toughness, skill, and entertainment setting the tone for an electrifying second half of the 2025 UFC season.
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