UFC Fight Night 76: Who Will Win the Fight Night Bonuses?

UFC Fight Night 76 has been battered by injuries. Both the main event and co-main event have been scrapped due to injuries, leading to a makeshift main card full of unranked fighters. Exciting bouts between Dustin Poirier and Joe Duffy (unfortunately my pick for Fight of the Week), and Stipe Miocic and Ben Rothwell are no more.

The card is now headlined by a solid flyweight bout between Dublin native Paddy Holohan (12-1-1 MMA, 3-1 UFC) and Louis Smolka (9-1 MMA, 3-1 UFC). Both men are on two-fight win streak and are looking to propel themselves into the 125-pound rankings.

The co-headliner features the return of lightweight Reza Madadi (13-3 MMA, 2-1 UFC). His first opponent coming off a two year layoff will be Ultimate Fighter winner Norman Parke (21-4-1 MMA, 4-2-1 UFC). Parke is on a two-fight skid currently and needs a win desperately.

Onto the bonuses:

Fight of the Night

With the absence of Duffy vs. Poirier, the Fight of the Night will go to my pick for the “Under the Radar” fight of the card: Neil Seery vs. Jon Delos Reyes. Neil Seery (15-11 MMA, 2-2 UFC) has vicious power for a flyweight, and has an always-forward style with his striking. On the other side of the Octagon will be Jon Delos Reyes (8-4 MMA, 1-2 UFC). Delos Reyes is an all-around quick fighter who is always pushing the pace. His last fight was an incredible Fight of the Night against Roldan Sangcha-an in which the pair swung wildly in the second round until Delos Reyes scored a knockdown that lead to a submission victory. In a fight in which both men are willing to throw everything they have on the feet, expect fireworks.

Performances of the Night

Stevie Ray (18-5 MMA, 2-0 UFC) is easy pick for Performance of the Night. His first two UFC appearances have been outstanding knockouts over Leanardo Mafra and Marcin Bandel. The Scottish standout will battle France’s Mickael Lebout (14-4-1 MMA, 1-1 UFC). Lebout is well-rounded but prefers when fights hit the mat, which is bad news when facing the dangerous Ray. Expect Ray to earn a knockout and the second Performance of the Night bonus in his career.

The second Performance of the Night bonus should go to Reza Madadi. He will return to the Octagon with a bang in the co-main event. If Norman Parke looks for the takedown, the Iranian should promptly submit him as he has done to Michael Johnson (before Johnson’s meteoric rise) and Yoislandy Izquierdo. The bonus will be the second of “Mad Dog’s” career.