Jamie Mullarkey beaten by Brad Riddell in UFC: 243 debut

UFC is not for the faint-hearted. It’s gruelling, it’s brutal as these pictures show. But it’s also very lucrative with these competitors earning an eye-watering amount for the fight of the night.

Jamie Mullarkey and his opponent Brad Riddell each earned a cash bonus for their clash being “fight of the night” at UFC: 243 at Marvel Stadium in Melbourne.

Mullarkey, 25, a plumber by trade who fights out of Central Coast MMA, was beaten in an unanimous points decision by Brad Riddell, of Christchurch, on Sunday. But he earned plenty of respect — in addition to a $50,000 bonus — in a fight that became more intense as it went on, as pictures reveal.

Brad Riddell from NZ defeats Jamie Mullarkey (right) from Central Coast NSW via decision. Picture: Sam Ruttyn

Brad Riddell of New Zealand punches Jamie Mullarkey of Australia and knocks his mouth guard out. (Photo by Darrian Traynor/Getty Images)

The third round was described by the UFC’s own media as “clearly one of the best of the year”, with Riddell looking on the verge of a stoppage before Mullarkey hurt him and nearly sunk in a choke before Riddell finished strong.

Brad Riddell smashes into Jamie Mullarkey late in the fight. Picture: Michael Klein.

Brad Riddell and Jamie Mullarkey compete during UFC 243 at Marvel Stadium in Melbourne, Sunday, October 6, 2019. (AAP Image/Michael Dodge)

Mullarkey travelled down to Melbourne on Tuesday and was cheered on at the fight by a large contingent of friends and family.

Speaking before the fight, he wouldn’t be drawn on what might be on the horizon afterwards.

“I’m not looking past this fight,” he said.