Fight Night 25 Wrap-Up: Ellenberger, Benoist, Riddle, Waldburger take home $55k

UFC Fight Night 25: Battle on the Bayou delivered an exciting free night of fights tonight from the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center in New Orleans, Louisiana. "The Juggernaut" Jake Ellenberger scored an opening-round TKO victory over former title contender Jake Shields in the headlining bout, while TUF 11 winner Court McGee picked up a unanimous decision over Dongi Yang in the co-main event. Also featured was RoufusSport product Erik Koch, who outpointed Jonathan Brookins to extend his current winning streak to four, as well as Alan "The Talent" Belcher, who returned from a 16-month layoff to dispatch of Jason McDonald in the main card opener.

The UFC awarded generous $55,000 bonuses to the night's top performers, who were announced by Dana White immediately following the event.

UFC Fight Night 25: Battle on the Bayou Bonuses

Fight of the Night: Lance Benoist vs. Matt Riddle
Submission of the Night: TJ Waldburger
Knockout of the Night: Jake Ellenberger

Full Results (via FightoftheNight.com):

Main Card:

Jake Ellenberger defeats Jake Shields by TKO at 0.53mins of Rd1

Court McGee defeats Dongi Yang by unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28, 30-28)

Erik Koch defeats Jonathan Brookins by unanimous decision (30-27 x2, 29-28)

Alan Belcher defeats Jason MacDonald by submission (Verbal) at 3.48mins of Rd1

Prelims:

Vagner Rocha defeats Cody McKenzie by suibmission (rear-naked choke) at 3.49mins of Rd2

Evan Dunham defeats Shamar Bailey by unanimous decision (30-27 x3)

Lance Benoist defeats Matt Riddle by unanimous decision (29-28 x3)

Ken Stone defeats Donny Walker by submission (rear-naked choke) at 2.40mins of Rd1

Seth Baczynski defeats Clay Harvison by submission (rear-naked choke) at 1.12mins of Rd2

TJ Waldburger defeats Mike Stumpf by submission (triangle choke) at 3.52mins of Rd1

Robert Peralta defeats Mike Lullo by unanimous decision (30-27 x2, 29-28)

Justin Edwards defeats Jorge Lopez by unanimous decision (29-28 x3)

Photo: UFC fighter  Jake Ellenberger celebrates his victory over John Howard at UFC-Live: Jones vs. Matyushenko at the San Diego Sports Arena on August 1, 2010, in San Diego, California. Francis Specker