Fearsome flyweight Bruno Silva destroyed Victor Rodriguez in a 60-second wrecking job that was reminiscent of Khamzat Chimaev’s lightning win in his last fight – then held up a sign demanding a $75,000 bonus from boss Dana White.
Reeling Rodriguez saw his UFC record extend to two defeats after failing to land a shot in a hopeless mismatch, copping an instant battering that made a mockery of his ‘Vicious’ nickname as his Brazilian foe bludgeoned him with a knee to the head.
Menacing Silva then landed a huge right before pounding Rodriguez on the floor in a finish that was mercifully curtailed by the referee’s rescue.
Heavily encouraged by UFC contender Tony Ferguson, promotion president White recently increased the bonus money on offer to fighters for eye-catching performances to $75,000, and Silva cheekily held up a handwritten sign begging the boss for the windfall immediately after his crushing victory.
That divided fans on social media, although White may have been reminded of another heavy-handed fighter who he has been impressed by recently.
There were obvious parallels with Chechen-born sensation Khamzat Chimaev’s whirlwind win over the experienced Gerard Meerschaert in his last outing, when ‘Borz’ needed even less time – 17 seconds in total – to smash his opponent in flawless fashion.
“We got the bonus,” Silva laughed afterwards, reflecting on the “best day of my life” while accepting that the amount he would receive remained $50,000.
Bruno Silva holding up a sign that says “75k Dana” written on it… They literally have to beg from their proper wages on signs I’m sick but also I know the photoshop legends on here are gonna have a ball anytime fighters hold up a sign 😭😭😂😂
Former UFC middleweight champion Michael Bisping admired Silva’s concussive work on commentary duties. “He connected and did a lot of damage,” the pundit purred, praising the winner’s follow-up shot.
“Then wait for it: this one is beautiful. He found the mark – there’s big, big power in this man’s hands.”
The ‘Bulldog’ was seen breakdancing after he left the octagon. When he returns home, the 31-year-old will be celebrating all the way to the bank.
