Nikolay Veretennikov delivered one of the most memorable moments of UFC Vegas 113 on Saturday night, starching veteran Niko Price with a highlight-reel knockout that instantly vaulted the welterweight into the spotlight and sent a jolt through the Apex crowd.
It wasn’t just the win that Veretennikov, but the 25k bonus for finishing the fight.
“Of course it’s great. It’s a great structure that is now implemented. It’s motivating people and it’s good. All changes really are good,” Veretennikov told reporters including Cageside Press through a translator at his post-fight scrum.
“This is going to be a good change for pay that we get. I’m never complaining about the pay that we had before. We weren’t out there hunting a knockout. It wasn’t the game plan. We come out there, we do our job, and if bonus comes, great.”
Veretennikov emphasized that the finish came with mixed emotions, given the history he shares with Price and the respect he has for the veteran’s career. Rather than celebrating at his opponent’s expense, he made a point to acknowledge what Price has meant to the UFC.
“I (am) very well-acquainted with him. I’ve known him back 8 years ago. We actually even sparred together a couple times back in the day. I have nothing but outmost respect for Niko. I know what he means to this company,” he said.
“I know what he’s done to this company. The kind of fights that he showed. He’s always exciting. He’s never in a boring fight and I’m thankful to him that he took the fight on a short-notice.”
“There isn’t an exact plan. There isn’t names that I would like to say. Whoever the UFC gives me, I’m going to be ready for them,” he said.
“I haven’t been suspended for a long time. After that I’m hoping to come right back to the gym. Keep training, keep staying sharp, being ready. The only thing I can say is let’s go. Pedal to the metal.”
Watch the entire media day scrum with Nikolay Veretennikov above.