The Toyota Center in Houston, Texas, has witnessed its fair share of combat sports history, but few nights have delivered the sheer volume of violent punctuation marks as UFC Houston on February 21, 2026. In a sport where leaving it to the judges is often a gamble, four fighters decided to take matters into their own hands—and feet—resulting in a lucrative evening that saw UFC CEO Dana White double the standard payout.

While the standard promotional bonus sits at $50,000, the energy in “Space City” and the spectacular nature of the finishes prompted the promotion to award four massive $100,000 Performance of the Night bonuses. There was no “Fight of the Night” awarded, and frankly, none was needed. The night was defined by one-sided dominance and highlight-reel stoppages that left the Houston crowd roaring.

From a former champion reminding the world of his caliber to a rising prospect cementing his status, here is a deep dive into the fighters who walked away with the extra six-figure checks.

Sean Strickland: The King of the Jab Returns to Finish

In the main event, former Middleweight Champion Sean Strickland faced surging contender Anthony Hernandez. The narrative coming into the fight was a clash of styles: Strickland’s impenetrable boxing defense against Hernandez’s relentless grappling pressure. For two rounds, the fight played out largely as a masterclass in distance management.

Strickland, known for his upright stance and constant verbal engaging, utilized his signature jab to stifle Hernandez’s entries. Hernandez, riding an eight-fight win streak, attempted to close the distance but found himself walking into a piston-like left hand repeatedly. However, the story wasn’t just about point-fighting.

In the third round, Strickland shifted gears. After hurting Hernandez with a perfectly timed knee to the body—a weapon Strickland has been refining—he swarmed. Unlike his often criticized “sparring” style decisions, Strickland sensed the finish. He unloaded a barrage of punches against the fence, forcing the referee to step in at 2:23 of Round 3.

Why It Mattered

This bonus wasn’t just for the finish; it was a statement. Strickland has often been criticized for safe performances. By finishing a durable, high-cardio threat like “Fluffy” Hernandez, Strickland didn’t just earn $100,000; he arguably punched his ticket back to a title shot, potentially setting up a trilogy with the division’s kingpin. For fans and pundits analyzing the Middleweight landscape, this was the version of Strickland that is most dangerous: defensively sound but offensively lethal.

Uros Medic: “The Doctor” Prescribes a Nap

If Strickland’s performance was a slow burn, Uros Medic delivered an explosion. Facing hometown favorite and legitimate welterweight contender Geoff Neal, Medic was viewed by many as the underdog. Neal, known for his “Handz of Steel,” has stood toe-to-toe with the division’s elite.

It took Medic only 1 minute and 19 seconds to silence the Toyota Center. The finish came via a thunderous left hook that caught Neal clean on the temple. It was a blink-and-you-miss-it moment that exemplified the adage that precision beats power, and timing beats speed—though Medic displayed plenty of both.

• The Technique: Medic slipped a strike and countered over the top. The shot didn’t look like a haymaker, but the placement on the chin/temple region shut off the lights immediately.
• The Stakes: Geoff Neal was a gatekeeper to the Top 10. By dispatching him so effortlessly, Medic has vaulted himself from a fun action fighter to a serious threat in the 170-pound division.

Medic’s post-fight interview was equally electric, calling out former champion Leon Edwards. While that matchup might be a leap, the $100,000 bonus confirms that the UFC brass loves what “The Doctor” is selling. You can read more about recent welterweight shake-ups in our latest news section.

Melquizael Costa: The Highlight Reel of the Year Candidate

Perhaps the most shocking moment of the night belonged to Melquizael Costa. Fighting in the featherweight division against the incredibly durable Dan Ige, Costa achieved the impossible. Dan Ige had never been finished in his professional career—a resume that includes wars with the heaviest hitters in the weight class.

Costa changed that statistic in the first round. With just seconds remaining in the opening frame (4:56, to be exact), Costa unleashed a spinning back kick that landed flush on Ige’s jaw. The impact sent Ige crashing to the canvas, and the follow-up strikes were merely academic.

Breaking Down the Kick:

Spinning attacks are high-risk, high-reward. If you miss, you expose your back. If you land, you make history. Costa set this up by peppering Ige’s body with standard roundhouses early, lowering Ige’s guard. When he spun, Ige likely anticipated a body shot, only for the heel to connect upstairs.

For a fighter like Costa, who has sometimes flown under the radar, becoming the first man to stop “50K” Dan Ige is a career-defining achievement. The $100,000 bonus is almost secondary to the respect he gained in the locker room. This finish will be replayed in highlight montages for years to come.

Jacobe Smith: The Prospect Arrives

Rounding out the bonus winners was the highly touted prospect Jacobe Smith. With a background in elite collegiate wrestling, Smith has been marked as a “future champion” by insiders since his debut. At UFC Houston, he showed that his striking is catching up to his grappling.

Matched against Josiah Harrell, Smith wasted no time. While many expected a grind-out wrestling clinic, Smith displayed ferocious power. He pressured Harrell early, forcing him against the cage, and unleashed a combination that dropped his opponent. The stoppage came at 3:01 of the first round.

Smith’s performance answers a critical question: Can he finish at the UFC level? The answer is a resounding yes. Earning a Performance of the Night bonus in just his second or third promotional appearance puts him on the fast track. He isn’t just a wrestler anymore; he is a mixed martial artist with “eff you” power.

The Significance of the $100K Bonus

It is worth noting the financial anomaly of the evening. Typically, UFC bonuses are capped at $50,000. Exceptions are usually reserved for milestone events like UFC 300 or International Fight Week. The fact that Dana White shelled out $100,000 for a standard Fight Night in Houston speaks volumes about the quality of the card.

For fighters like Melquizael Costa and Jacobe Smith, an extra $100,000 is life-changing money. It covers training camps, taxes, and provides a safety net that allows them to focus purely on evolution rather than survival. For veterans like Strickland, it’s a sweet cherry on top of a main event purse.

This bump in pay also serves as a motivation for the rest of the roster. It signals that the promotion is willing to pay a premium for finishes. In an era where fans sometimes complain about “point-fighting,” incentivizing violence with six-figure checks is the most effective way to ensure entertainment.

What’s Next for the Winners?

With their bank accounts significantly padded, the trajectories for these four fighters have shifted:

• Sean Strickland: Likely awaits the winner of the next Middleweight title fight. He remains the #1 contender in the eyes of many.
• Uros Medic: A Top 15 ranking is imminent. A matchup against a striker like Stephen “Wonderboy” Thompson or Ian Machado Garry could be fireworks.
• Melquizael Costa: He needs a ranked opponent. Someone like Edson Barboza or Bryce Mitchell would test his grappling defense and striking creativity.
• Jacobe Smith: Slow and steady is the usual route, but Smith looks ready for a step up. A fight against a veteran gatekeeper like Neil Magny might be too soon, but he is certainly ready for the next tier of competition.

For more analysis on upcoming matchups and fighter rankings, check out our opinion pieces here.

FAQ: Understanding UFC Bonuses

How are UFC Performance Bonuses chosen?

Performance of the Night bonuses are chosen by the UFC hierarchy (usually Dana White and the matchmakers) immediately after the event. They reward the most impressive individual performances, typically focusing on knockouts or submissions, though dominant shutouts can sometimes win.

Are UFC bonuses always $50,000?

The standard bonus has been $50,000 for several years. However, for special events or exceptionally exciting nights (like UFC Houston 2026), the UFC President may increase the amount to $100,000 or even more, though this is discretionary and not guaranteed.

Do fighters get taxed on their bonuses?

Yes. Just like their show and win money, performance bonuses are considered income and are subject to federal and state taxes. However, since Texas (where UFC Houston took place) has no state income tax, these fighters take home a larger slice of the pie than they would in California or New York.

Can a fighter win two bonuses in one night?

Yes. A fighter can win “Performance of the Night” and participate in the “Fight of the Night,” earning both checks. This creates a potential $100,000 payday on a standard night, or $200,000 on a double-bonus night like this one.

Who holds the record for the most UFC bonuses?

As of 2026, Charles Oliveira remains the king of the bonus, holding the record for the most post-fight bonuses in UFC history. His aggressive style of seeking submissions and knockouts has made him a perennial favorite for the extra cash.