Quick Silva: Brutal Brazilian Bruno batters UFC opponent with blistering knee, punch in 60-second Chimaev-style rampage (VIDEO)
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.
WHAT A KNOCKOUT! 💥Bruno Silva gets it done in 60 seconds! 👏#UFCVegas27pic.twitter.com/cioR3mY1r0
— UFC on BT Sport (@btsportufc) May 22, 2021
Bruno Silva brought props 🤑 #UFCVegas27pic.twitter.com/2Mk8kcGiwY
— ESPN MMA (@espnmma) May 22, 2021
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 😭😭😂😂
— TevTalksMMA (@TevTalksMMA) May 22, 2021
Fighters begging for bonuses is not a good look. Pay them right.
— Neil Taylor (@neiltaylor16) May 22, 2021
"I'm not going to spend that money. I'm going to keep it, invest in something, help my family, help myself.
"I knew I was going to knock him out but I didn't know it would be that fast.
"That was my gameplan: to knock him out in the first round, maybe second."
Fighters thinking the $75K bonus is the new norm.. pic.twitter.com/bIFlCC7IsH
— Kevin Thang (@Skip2MyJays) May 22, 2021
honestly there is no reason the 75k shouldn't be the norm.. but you know ufc like to cheap out on most of the fighters
— Slicer141 (@slicer141) May 22, 2021
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.
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