Alexander Volkanovski, the former UFC featherweight champion, has voiced strong concerns over what he believes was a critical officiating mistake that may have cost his teammate a significant bonus at UFC Perth. The event, held in Australia, featured a thrilling main event between welterweights Jack Della Maddalena and Carlos Prates, but it was a lesser-known bout that caught Volkanovski's attention.
As the UFC returned to Oceania, the card was packed with local talent, including Volkanovski's teammate Colby Thicknesse. Thicknesse, nicknamed 'Slickness,' was stepping into the octagon for the third time, facing UFC veteran Vince Morales—a fighter with 12 promotions under his belt. Thicknesse had bounced back from his debut loss with a win over Josias Musasa, while Morales was looking to snap a three-fight losing streak.
Early in the fight, Morales used his experience to press forward confidently. But Thicknesse quickly turned the tables, taking the fight to the ground. From inside Morales' guard, he locked in a tight triangle choke, then smoothly transitioned into an armbar attempt. During the scramble, it appeared Morales may have briefly tapped out—but referee Chris Tognoni missed it entirely.
Volkanovski didn't let it slide. He took to social media, posting: "I knew I seen a tap!" The missed call didn't change the final outcome, as Thicknesse went on to secure a unanimous decision victory. However, it did cost him a $50,000 Performance of the Night bonus—a huge financial boost for a rising fighter early in his career.
For context, the UFC's bonus system rewards fighters for exceptional performances, and a finish like a submission would have almost certainly earned Thicknesse that extra cash. Instead, he walked away with the win but without the bonus, which could have helped cover training costs or other expenses as he climbs the ranks.
As for Morales, this loss marks his sixth straight defeat in the UFC, with eight of his nine career losses coming by unanimous decision. At 38 years old, this could very well be his final fight with the organization. Meanwhile, Thicknesse's win keeps his momentum alive, though the missed tap remains a talking point among fans and fighters alike.