Stephen “Wonderboy” Thompson ended his UFC career with a spectacular knockout and a $100,000 performance bonus at UFC 334 in New York. The 43-year-old welterweight delivered a spinning wheel kick finish against Charles Radtke at Madison Square Garden on November 14, giving fans a memorable farewell.
Thompson was one of three fighters to receive a $100,000 individual bonus after the event. Heavyweight champion Ciryl Gane and challenger Josh Hokit shared the Fight of the Night award, while women’s bantamweight champion Kayla Harrison earned the other Performance of the Night bonus after submitting Amanda Nunes.
The UFC 334 post-fight awards highlighted an event filled with championship drama, major finishes, and an emotional retirement moment. Here is a breakdown of the bonus winners, the headline fights, and the performances that stood out.
UFC 334 Bonus Winners: Who Received the $100,000 Awards?
The UFC handed out three $100,000 bonus awards following UFC 334. The main-event fighters shared Fight of the Night, while Thompson and Harrison received Performance of the Night awards.
The official bonus winners were:
| Award | Fighter(s) | Bonus |
|---|---|---|
| Fight of the Night | Ciryl Gane and Josh Hokit | $100,000 each |
| Performance of the Night | Stephen Thompson | $100,000 |
| Performance of the Night | Kayla Harrison | $100,000 |
| Finish bonus | Bia Mesquita | $25,000 |
The awards recognized the five-round heavyweight championship battle, Thompson’s retirement-fight knockout, Harrison’s title defense, and Mesquita’s first-round submission.
According to post-event reporting, other fighters also recorded finishes but did not qualify for the additional finish bonus because of weight-related circumstances. HEAVY
Stephen Thompson Earns $100K With a Spectacular Retirement Fight
Stephen Thompson delivered one of the night’s most memorable moments by defeating Charles Radtke with a spinning wheel kick knockout.
The welterweight veteran entered UFC 334 with a long career behind him and announced that the fight would mark his retirement from the UFC. Instead of a quiet final appearance, he produced a highlight-reel finish that gave fans a dramatic farewell.
Thompson’s spinning wheel kick caught Radtke and ended the contest in the third round. The finish drew a strong reaction from the crowd at Madison Square Garden and earned Thompson a $100,000 Performance of the Night bonus.
The moment also attracted attention because of Thompson’s reputation as one of the UFC’s most recognizable technical strikers. His movement, distance control, and kicking ability had defined much of his career.
For Thompson, the victory provided a fitting final chapter inside the Octagon. He left the event with a knockout win, an additional $100,000, and a memorable retirement moment.
Why Thompson’s UFC Retirement Became a Major Story
Retirement fights can be difficult for professional athletes. Some fighters leave after a defeat, while others struggle to produce the performance they want in their final appearance.
Thompson managed to avoid that outcome.
His victory over Radtke gave him a chance to finish his UFC career on a high note. The spinning wheel kick also provided one of the most shareable highlights from the event.
The $100,000 bonus added another reward to an already significant night. However, the emotional value of the performance may prove just as important for Thompson and his supporters.
Ciryl Gane and Josh Hokit Share Fight of the Night
Ciryl Gane and Josh Hokit received $100,000 each after producing the Fight of the Night at UFC 334.
Their heavyweight championship contest served as the main event at Madison Square Garden. Gane entered as the reigning champion, while Hokit aimed to capture the title and establish himself as a major force in the heavyweight division.
The fight lasted all five rounds. Both fighters delivered an intense performance, with Hokit applying pressure and Gane relying on his movement, striking, and defensive skills.
The judges ultimately awarded Gane a unanimous decision victory. All three official scorecards reportedly read 48-47 in his favor, allowing him to retain the UFC heavyweight championship.
The narrow result reflected the competitive nature of the contest. Hokit pushed the champion throughout the fight, but Gane did enough across the five rounds to secure the decision.
The UFC rewarded both athletes with the $100,000 Fight of the Night bonus. HEAVY
Gane Retains His Heavyweight Championship
Gane entered UFC 334 looking to make a successful first defense of his heavyweight title. The victory over Hokit strengthened his position at the top of the division.
The French fighter has built his reputation around technical striking, movement, and the ability to control distance against larger opponents. His performance against Hokit required those skills as the challenger attempted to make the fight physical and difficult.
Hokit also deserves recognition for taking the champion through five demanding rounds. Although he did not leave New York with the belt, his performance demonstrated why he received a championship opportunity.
The shared bonus reflected the effort from both heavyweight fighters rather than rewarding only the winner.
Kayla Harrison Earns $100K After Submitting Amanda Nunes
Kayla Harrison secured the second Performance of the Night award after defeating Amanda Nunes in the co-main event.
The women’s bantamweight championship fight brought together two major names in women’s mixed martial arts. Harrison entered as the reigning champion, while Nunes returned to the Octagon hoping to reclaim a place at the top of the division.
Harrison used her wrestling and grappling skills to control important portions of the fight. She eventually secured a rear-naked choke submission in the fourth round, forcing Nunes to tap out.
The victory allowed Harrison to retain her women’s bantamweight championship and earn an additional $100,000.
The result was significant because Nunes had been widely regarded as one of the greatest female fighters in UFC history. Her return created considerable interest, but Harrison successfully defended her title.
Reuters also reported on Harrison’s victory and her use of grappling control to overcome Nunes. Reuters
What Harrison’s Victory Means for the Women’s Bantamweight Division
Harrison’s win strengthened her position as the division’s champion. Defeating a former champion with Nunes’ reputation adds weight to her title reign.
The fight also demonstrated the importance of wrestling and positional control in championship-level MMA. Harrison’s ability to take the fight to the ground and maintain control played a major role in the outcome.
For Nunes, the defeat was a difficult return after an extended absence from competition. Her future plans following the loss were not established in the initial post-fight reports.
The result leaves Harrison with the championship and another major victory on her record.
Bia Mesquita Receives a $25,000 Finish Bonus
Bia Mesquita also received recognition after delivering a first-round submission victory against Macy Chiasson.
Mesquita used her grappling skills to take control of the contest and eventually secured a rear-naked choke. The finish extended her UFC winning streak to four victories, according to post-event reporting.
Her performance earned her a $25,000 finish bonus.
The result was another strong moment for the Brazilian fighter, who continued to build momentum in the women’s bantamweight division.
Mesquita’s submission also added to a night that featured several impressive finishes. However, the additional bonus system did not reward every fighter who secured a stoppage.
Other UFC 334 Finishes and Notable Results
Several other fights produced memorable moments at Madison Square Garden.
- Terrance McKinney knocked out Jim Miller in the first round.
- Cesar Almeida stopped Donte Johnson by first-round TKO.
- Chris Duncan defeated Drew Dober by unanimous decision.
- Caio Borralho defeated Yousri Belgaroui by unanimous decision.
- Uros Medic and Kevin Holland fought to a majority draw.
- Luis Gurule defeated Bilal Hasan by split decision.
McKinney and Almeida both recorded stoppage victories, but post-event reports said they were ineligible for the additional finish bonus because of weight-related circumstances. Forbes
Why UFC 334 Bonuses Matter for Fighters
UFC post-fight bonuses provide additional financial rewards beyond a fighter’s contracted fight purse. They also recognize performances that stand out to the promotion and its audience.
A Fight of the Night award recognizes an especially entertaining contest, while Performance of the Night rewards an individual fighter for an outstanding performance.
These awards can increase a fighter’s earnings and provide additional attention after an event. A memorable knockout or submission can also help build a fighter’s reputation and attract interest in future matchups.
At UFC 334, the awards recognized different types of achievement. Gane and Hokit delivered a competitive championship fight, Harrison defended her title with a submission, and Thompson produced a dramatic retirement-fight knockout.
The $25,000 finish bonus for Mesquita also recognized her first-round submission victory.
For Thompson, however, the biggest headline was not simply the money. It was the opportunity to leave the UFC after a spectacular final performance.
UFC 334 Delivers a Memorable Night at Madison Square Garden
UFC 334 produced two major championship results and several finishes that gave fans plenty to discuss after the event.
Gane retained his heavyweight championship against Hokit, while Harrison successfully defended her women’s bantamweight title against Nunes. Thompson’s spinning wheel kick knockout provided an emotional highlight as he began his UFC retirement with a $100,000 bonus.
The event also demonstrated the financial value of standout performances under the promotion’s post-fight bonus system.
With three $100,000 awards and a $25,000 finish bonus announced, UFC 334 rewarded fighters who delivered some of the night’s most memorable action.
For Thompson, the result was especially meaningful: a knockout victory, a major bonus, and a farewell that gave his UFC career a memorable ending.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Who received the $100,000 UFC 334 bonuses?
Stephen Thompson and Kayla Harrison each received a $100,000 Performance of the Night bonus. Ciryl Gane and Josh Hokit each received $100,000 for Fight of the Night.
2. How much money did Stephen Thompson earn at UFC 334?
Thompson received an additional $100,000 Performance of the Night bonus after knocking out Charles Radtke with a spinning wheel kick.
3. Who won Fight of the Night at UFC 334?
Ciryl Gane and Josh Hokit shared Fight of the Night honors for their five-round heavyweight championship contest.
4. How did Stephen Thompson win his final UFC fight?
Thompson defeated Charles Radtke with a spinning wheel kick knockout in the third round.
5. Did Kayla Harrison receive a UFC 334 bonus?
Yes. Harrison received a $100,000 Performance of the Night bonus after submitting Amanda Nunes in the fourth round and retaining her championship.
6. Who received the $25,000 finish bonus?
Bia Mesquita received the $25,000 finish bonus after submitting Macy Chiasson in the first round.
7. Where did UFC 334 take place?
UFC 334 took place at Madison Square Garden in New York City on November 14, 2026.