UFC 143 Wrap-Up: Werdum, Nelson, Poirier, Thompson take home $65k

UFC 143 delivered an exciting night of action tonight from the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas, Nevada. "The Natural Born Killer" Carlos Condit captured the Interim Welterweight title, defeating former Strikeforce kingpin Nick Diaz via unanimous decision in the headlining bout. Top Heavyweight contender Fabricio Werdum made his octagon return, outworking Roy Nelson in the co-main event, while Josh Koscheck edged out Mike Pierce to pick up his first victory of 2012. Also featured was rising Bantamweight prospect Renan Barao, who defeated former division title challenger Scott Jorgensen, and Ed Herman submitted Clifford Starks to extend his current win streak to three.

The UFC awarded generous $65,000 bonuses to the night's top performers, who were announced by Dana White immediately following the event.

Fight of the Night: Fabricio Werdum vs. Roy Nelson
Submission of the Night: Dustin Poirier
Knockout of the Night: Stephen Thompson

Full Results (via FightoftheNight.com):

Main Event

Carlos Condit defeats Nick Diaz by unanimous decision (48-47, 49-46 x2)

Fabricio Werdum defeats Roy Nelson by unanimous decision (30-27 x3)

Josh Koscheck defeats Mike Pierce by split decision (29-28 x2, 28-29)

Renan Barao defeats Scott Jorgensen by unanimous decision (30-27 x3)

Ed Herman defeats Clifford Starks by submission (rear-naked choke) at 1.43mins of Rd2

Prelims:

Dustin Poirier defeats Max Holloway by submission (triangle armbar) at 3.23mins of Rd1

Edwin Figueroa defeats Alex Caceres by split decision (28-27 x2, 27-28)

Matt Brown defeats Chris Cope by KO at 1.19mins of Rd2

Matt Riddle defeats Henry Martinez by split decision (29-28 x2, 28-29)

Rafael Natal defeats Michael Kuiper by unanimous decision (30-27 x2, 29-28)

Stephen Thompson defeats Dan Stittgen by KO at 4.13mins of Rd1