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"I should have got $50k just for the shoey": Aussie fighters wonder where their UFC bonuses went

MMA fighters are putting themselves at risk with extreme weight loss methods. (AFP/Paul Crock)
11th February, 2018
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Brothers-in-law Tai Tuivasa and Tyson Pedro are crying foul after they missed out on bonuses during UFC 221 at Perth Arena.

Former Sydney Roosters junior Tuivasa performed Daniel Ricciardo’s trademark “shoey” celebration on Sunday after winning his heavyweight showdown against Frenchman Cyril Asker.

Tuivasa, who has a young son with Pedro’s sister, unleashed a series of powerful punches to win his bout by TKO in the first round.

Pedro also won in the first round, pulling off a stunning kimura submission to beat Russian Saparbek Safarov in their light heavyweight bout.

A kimura is a double-joint arm lock that applies painful pressure on the opponent’s shoulder and is difficult to escape.

Before Sunday’s UFC fight, Tuivasa and Pedro vowed to each win one of the $50,000 bonuses on offer.

The two fighters involved in the UFC fight of the night win $50,000 each, while another two bonuses of $50,000 are handed out for top performers.

Tuivasa and Pedro were overlooked for everything, leaving the pair to have a tongue-in-cheek vent afterwards.

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“Who chooses the bonuses?” Pedro asked.

“I’m actually burning about that. Are you not entertained? What more do you what?”

Tuivasa, who skolled alcohol from a sneaker after his win, was also stunned to miss out on a bonus.

“I should have got 50k just for the shoey,” Tuivasa said.

“I think we both should have got performance of the night.

“Old mate (Pedro) nearly ripped someone’s arm off and I elbowed old bud back to France.

“And nothing. Now I’ve got to go home and cry all night.”

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Tuivasa (9-0) is fast becoming a cult favourite among fans, with his ruthless knockout displays making for entertaining viewing.

The 24-year-old nicknamed “Bam Bam” lamented that some heavyweight bouts had become too cat-and-mouse because of a fear of losing.

“There’s heavyweights fighting for all three rounds (of three-round fights). I think it’s boring,” he said.

“What happened to the days of going out there and giving what the people want to see – some blood and the rest of it.

“But I suppose everyone doesn’t want to get a one (loss) on their record.

“But I don’t really care. I want to go out there and put on a show for the crowds.”

Cuban Yoel Romero knocked out American Luke Rockhold in the main event middleweight battle on Sunday.

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Both fighters were taken to hospital afterwards, with Romero battling a leg injury and Rockhold concussed.

A crowd of 12,437 attended the fight and UFC senior vice-president David Shaw said Perth was in line to get more UFC bouts in the future.

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