UFC 222: Cyborg vs. Kunitskaya Full Fight Card, Date & Details
UFC 222: Cyborg vs. Kunitskaya
United States
Main Card • Final
Brazil
R1, 3:25
Title Fight
Russia
R1, 4:44
Performance of the Night
R3, 5:00
Fight of the Night
R3, 5:00
Netherlands
R3, 5:00
Prelims • Final
R3, 5:00
R1, 0:42
Performance of the Night
R3, 5:00
R1, 5:00
Cuba
Early Prelims • Final
R3, 5:00
R3, 5:00
Official Event Results
$50k FOTN
Official Post-Fight Bonus Awards
$50,000 Post-Fight Bonus Recipients
Fight of the Night: Sean O’Malley and Andre Soukhamthath each earned $50,000 for their dramatic three-round bantamweight clash.
Performance of the Night: Brian Ortega and Alexander Hernandez each received $50,000 for their stunning first-round knockout victories.
Reported Payouts & Disclosed Purses
Fighter Purses & Total Payout Estimates
| Fighter | Result | Base Purse | Win / Finish Bonus | Performance Bonus | Estimated Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| WIN | $500,000 | — | — | $500,000 | |
| WIN | $275,000 | — | — | $275,000 | |
| WIN | $100,000 | $100,000 | $50,000 | $250,000 | |
| LOSS | $195,000 | — | — | $195,000 | |
| LOSS | $100,000 | — | — | $100,000 | |
| WIN | $22,000 | $22,000 | $50,000 | $94,000 | |
| WIN | $46,000 | $46,000 | — | $92,000 | |
| WIN | $41,000 | $41,000 | — | $82,000 | |
| LOSS | $77,000 | — | — | $77,000 | |
| WIN | $13,000 | $13,000 | $50,000 | $76,000 | |
| LOSS | $19,000 | — | $50,000 | $69,000 | |
| LOSS | $62,000 | — | — | $62,000 | |
| WIN | $30,000 | $30,000 | — | $60,000 | |
| LOSS | $55,000 | — | — | $55,000 | |
| WIN | $25,000 | $25,000 | — | $50,000 | |
| LOSS | $48,000 | — | — | $48,000 | |
| WIN | $20,000 | $20,000 | — | $40,000 | |
| WIN | $18,000 | $18,000 | — | $36,000 | |
| LOSS | $35,000 | — | — | $35,000 | |
| LOSS | $34,000 | — | — | $34,000 | |
| WIN | $14,000 | $14,000 | — | $28,000 | |
| LOSS | $21,000 | — | — | $21,000 | |
| LOSS | $12,000 | — | — | $12,000 | |
| LOSS | $12,000 | — | — | $12,000 |
*Disclosed purses reported by the Nevada State Athletic Commission (NSAC). Total disclosed payroll was $2,103,000. Official post-fight bonuses ($50,000 each) are added into the Estimated Total column for Sean O’Malley, Andre Soukhamthath, Brian Ortega, and Alexander Hernandez. Discretionary locker room bonuses, pay-per-view points, and Reebok sponsorship compliance pay are not included.
Historic UFC Records Set
Promotional Records Established at UFC 222: Cyborg vs. Kunitskaya
UFC 222 established the all-time UFC record for the most split decision bouts on a single event in promotional history with 5 split verdicts (Vieira-Zingano, Dern-Yoder, Dodson-Munhoz, Stamann-Caraway, and Johnson-Milstead), a mark that was later tied by UFC 274 in 2022.
Brian Ortega became the first fighter in mixed martial arts history to finish former UFC lightweight champion Frankie Edgar by knockout, ending Edgar’s legendary 28-fight streak without ever being stopped by strikes with a highlight-reel first-round uppercut.
Cris Cyborg defended her UFC Women’s Featherweight Championship with a clinical first-round TKO, extending her historic undefeated streak to 21 consecutive bouts spanning more than 13 years (2005–2018).
Sean O’Malley overcame a severe foot fracture suffered in the third round against Andre Soukhamthath, surviving from his back to secure a 29-27 decision win, claim Fight of the Night, and famously conduct his post-fight Octagon interview flat on his back.
Stepping in on just 11 days’ notice for his UFC debut, Alexander Hernandez registered one of the biggest betting upsets of 2018 by knocking out world-ranked lightweight contender Beneil Dariush in just 42 seconds.
C.B. Dollaway was awarded a rare disqualification victory over Hector Lombard after Lombard threw and landed two heavy punches after the horn sounded to end the first round, rendering Dollaway unable to continue.
Multiple-time ADCC and IBJJF world champion Mackenzie Dern made her highly anticipated promotional debut, edging Ashley Yoder via split decision to maintain her unblemished professional mixed martial arts record.
Former UFC heavyweight champion Andrei Arlovski out-worked 7-foot Stefan Struve over three rounds to secure his 16th career victory inside the Octagon, passing Frank Mir for sole possession of second place in all-time divisional wins.
Ketlen Vieira neutralized former title challenger Cat Zingano in the clinch and on the ground to capture a split decision, improving to 10-0 in professional MMA and becoming the division’s consensus No. 1 title contender.
Longtime fan favorite Mike Pyle laid his gloves down in the center of the Octagon following his bout with Zak Ottow, concluding an illustrious 19-year combat career spanning 42 professional fights and 19 UFC appearances.
Following Max Holloway’s withdrawal against Frankie Edgar due to an ankle injury, Cris Cyborg agreed to defend her world title on just 24 days’ notice against Yana Kunitskaya to preserve the UFC 222 pay-per-view broadcast.
UFC 222 served as the historical setting featured prominently in the 2024 Hollywood film *Road House*, linking the event directly to the fictional backstory of Jake Gyllenhaal’s character Elwood Dalton.
When and where did UFC 222: Cyborg vs. Kunitskaya take place?
UFC 222: Cyborg vs. Kunitskaya took place on Saturday, March 3, 2018, at the T-Mobile Arena in Paradise (Las Vegas), Nevada.
Who won the main event between Cris Cyborg and Yana Kunitskaya?
Cris Cyborg defended her UFC Women’s Featherweight Championship by defeating Yana Kunitskaya via TKO (punches) at 3:25 of Round 1.
Who won the co-main event between Brian Ortega and Frankie Edgar?
Brian Ortega knocked out former UFC lightweight champion Frankie Edgar via punches at 4:44 of Round 1, becoming the first fighter ever to finish Edgar by knockout.
What happened during Sean O’Malley’s fight against Andre Soukhamthath?
Sean O’Malley injured his right foot in Round 3 and was forced to hop on one leg and fight off his back. Soukhamthath grappled instead of forcing O’Malley to stand, allowing O’Malley to survive and win a unanimous decision (29–27, 29–27, 29–28) before conducting his post-fight interview lying down in the cage.
Who won the post-fight bonuses at UFC 222?
Four fighters received $50,000 post-fight bonuses: Sean O’Malley vs. Andre Soukhamthath (Fight of the Night), Brian Ortega (Performance of the Night), and Alexander Hernandez (Performance of the Night).
Why did Max Holloway not fight Frankie Edgar as originally scheduled?
Featherweight champion Max Holloway withdrew from the bout in early February due to an ankle injury. Frankie Edgar remained on the card to face Brian Ortega, and Cris Cyborg vs. Yana Kunitskaya was added as the new headline title fight.
Why was Hector Lombard disqualified against C.B. Dollaway?
Hector Lombard landed two flush punches on C.B. Dollaway immediately after the horn sounded to end Round 1. Dollaway could not continue, leading referee Mark Smith to rule the finish a disqualification victory for Dollaway.
How did Alexander Hernandez defeat Beneil Dariush?
Taking the fight on just 11 days’ notice for his promotional debut, Alexander Hernandez stunned Beneil Dariush with a straight left hand that knocked him out cold in just 42 seconds of Round 1.
What decision-related record was set at UFC 222?
UFC 222 produced 5 split decisions across its 12 bouts, setting the all-time UFC promotional record for the most split decision results on a single card (later tied at UFC 274).
What were the official attendance and gate figures for UFC 222?
UFC 222 drew an official attendance of 12,041 fans generating a live gate of $1,367,672 at the T-Mobile Arena.
Who called the fights for UFC 222?
The broadcast team was led by blow-by-blow commentator Jon Anik alongside color analysts Joe Rogan and Daniel Cormier, with Bruce Buffer serving as the Octagon announcer.
Did Mackenzie Dern win her UFC debut at UFC 222?
Yes. BJJ world champion Mackenzie Dern won her UFC debut by defeating Ashley Yoder via split decision (28–29, 29–28, 29–28) in a three-round preliminary bout.
Who won the heavyweight bout between Andrei Arlovski and Stefan Struve?
Former champion Andrei Arlovski defeated Stefan Struve via unanimous decision (29–28, 29–28, 30–27), relying on effective takedowns and clinch strikes.
Did Mike Pyle retire after his fight at UFC 222?
Yes. Following his first-round stoppage defeat to Zak Ottow, 42-year-old veteran Mike Pyle formally retired inside the Octagon, leaving his gloves in the cage after a 19-year professional career.
How many total bouts took place at UFC 222?
A total of 12 bouts took place: 5 on the Pay-Per-View main card, 4 on the Fox Sports 1 preliminary card, and 3 on the UFC Fight Pass early preliminary card.
UFC news
