(Photo by Josh Hedges/Zuffa LLC/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images)
UFC Fight Night 38 took over the Rio Grande do Norte in Natal, Brazil on Sunday. The organization announced the UFC Fight Night 38 post-fight bonuses after the event.
In the main event Dan Henderson and Mauricio “Shogun” Rua did battle in a rematch from their “Fight of the Year” in 2012.
Both fighters showed tremendous respect for either in the first round, picking their shots very carefully and keeping their distance when necessary. Shogun Rua threw several hard leg kicks while Henderson continued to look for his trademark overhand punch. After a bit of a slow start, both fighters started banging and both Shogun Rua and Henderson were rocked at different times. Rua seemed to get the better shot which rocked Henderson for a while, keeping him on the mat and at risk of the ground and pound. Lucky for Henderson, the round ended with Shogun Rua on top.
The second round started with both fighters landing some strikes, both to the body and to the head. Similar to the first round, it seemed like Shogun Rua was getting the better shots. He was able to drop Henderson with an uppercut but Henderson recovered well once agian. Rua was able to keep Henderson on the ground for a significant amount of time before referee Herb Dean stood them up. The second round was an even clearer display of Shogun Rua’s improvements.
The third round could be one of the most unbelievable rounds in a long time. While Shogun Rua won the first two rounds, Henderson came back with one of his classic style victories. He was able to land a well-known right hand to the face of Rua, sending him back and to the ground. Henderson pounced on Rua and was able to finish the Brazilian with punches.
Following the event, the UFC Fight Night 38 bonus winners were announced on the post-fight show on FOX Sports 1. Check them out below. Each fighter took home $50,000
Fight of the Night: Dan Henderson vs. Mauricio “Shogun” Rua
Performance of the Night: Dan Henderson
Performance of the Night: Godofredo Pepey
