Dana White Offers $50,000 Bonus After Concerning Update on 28 Year Old UFC Fighter

There is something about Melquizael Costa that keeps fans on the edge of their seats. Costa doesn’t just fight; he survives storms. At UFC Vegas 106, the Brazilian featherweight proved why he’s becoming a must-see name in the division. But while the crowd roared for another win, they had no idea what Costa was pushing through to get there, as he put his health at risk for Dana White‘s mega-event.

Costa suffered a devastating foot injury just minutes into his fight against Julian Erosa, which most fighters would have struggled to overcome, let alone thrive with. Between rounds, cameras captured a wounded left foot, but Costa seemed unfazed. No grimace. No signs of slowing down.

The man continued to throw heat, despite multiple lacerations on his toe, and pummeled Erosa for three rounds, resulting in a unanimous decision. The extent of the injury was not revealed until after the bout, when Dana White himself shared the damage on his Instagram story, exposing a toe that had split apart so badly that it left a trail of blood across the Octagon.

The photo quickly went viral, not because of the injury, but because Costa made no mention of it. No excuses. No drama. Just a win and a warrior’s smile. As fans reeled at the visual, Dana White added a final touch to the story. So, what was it? Well, Melquizael Costa managed to earn himself a well-deserved $50,000 prize for Fight of the Night.

That’s more than just a nod to the fight Costa and Erosa waged; it’s a tribute by Dana White to a warrior who practically left a piece of himself in the cage. Costa’s last victory brings his winning streak to four, joining Shayilan Nuerdanbieke, Andre Fili, and Christian Rodriguez. And, while the foot injury may temporarily hinder his meteoric rise, it simply adds to the legend of a fighter who refuses to back down.

Medical evaluations are underway, and the expectation is that he will not require a lengthy layoff. But, even if he is sidelined for a few months, one thing is certain: Costa not only received a bonus. He has earned everyone’s respect. However, not every fighter managed to perform despite a major health concern.

Dana White’s UFC Vegas 106 suffers a short-notice fight cancellation

Before even a single punch was thrown at UFC Vegas 106, chaos had already spread across the card. While Melquizael Costa later made news for his blood-soaked foot and $50,000 bonus, the night began with disappointment. The co-main event between Rodolfo Bellato and Paul Craig was canceled right before the show began, surprising fans and mixing up expectations for one of the most anticipated bouts of the evening.

What made it even stranger was the lack of clarity by Dana White and the UFC. The broadcast team briefly addressed a “medical issue” with Bellato, but specifics were scarce, almost suspiciously so. The fight had been booked as a clash between two volatile light heavyweights. However, it vanished without explanation, adding to the anxiety in the air. Social media was abuzz with speculation, and commentators used carefully chosen wording to dance around the topic, while Dana White remained unavailable.

It wasn’t until after the event that Bellato broke his silence, explaining that a herpes outbreak had caused him to pull out. The admission turned confusion into shock for the MMA community. So far, Paul Craig has not issued a statement, and there is no guaranteed rebooking date.

In a night that delivered grit and blood, this fight didn’t even get to start. And, in a sport where horrific wounds are frequently worn as badges of honor, Bellato’s case, while serious, felt more bizarre than tragic. After all, how many other fighters do you know who pulled out due to an STI? Now, it would be interesting to see how and when Dana White rebooks the fight. What do you think? Let us know in the comments.