The awe-inspiring war of attrition delivered in abundance, with both competitors putting it all on the line in a contest that earned a ‘Fight of the Night’ bonus.
UFC fighters react after Drew Dober suffers a horror cut
On Saturday evening, Jean Silva defeated Drew Dober in an encounter that will go down in UFC folklore.
The statement victory topped off a two-week period that the Brazilian will never forget.
At UFC 303, he knocked out Charles Jourdain in explosive fashion in a performance that solidified his place as a top-class featherweight contender.
However, rather than taking some time off to enjoy his hard-earned victory, he volunteered to replace Mike Davis, and take-on Dober, at lightweight, in a risk that has paid off in abundance.
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The pair produced an epic display, exchanging bombs as the raucous crowds inside the Ball Arena in Denver, Colorado, USA, cheered from the top of their lungs.
After piling on the pressure, Silva nearly secured the stoppage in the second round, landing a plethora of heavy shots that opened up a huge cut over his opponent’s right eye.
Throughout the third segment, the São Paulo-based fighter targeted the injury, executing a beautiful spinning elbow that left Dober’s face covered in blood.
In a testament to his ferocious fighting spirit, he attempted to battle through. Alas, with an injury so severe, the medical expert at cage-side had no choice but to call a halt to the action.
The horrifying cut quickly spread around the internet, with UFC fighters giving their opinion on what transpired in the octagon.
Stephen Thompson tweeted: “Gotta stop the fight..that cut is GROSS!!!!! #UFCDenver“, while Alan Jouban posted: “His eye is a mess! #UFCDenver.”
Other MMA stars were quick to point out just how good Silva was.
Taking to social media, Belal Muhammad, said: “He’s a featherweight and took this short notice in altitude that guys a problem.”
Terrance McKinney told the internet: “Silva is a problem in two weight classes #UFCDenver.”
However, while the 27-year-old will undoubtedly love reading the positive comments, there was only one man he really wanted to impress.
Jean Silva delivered in front of Dominick Cruz at UFC Denver
Following the fight, Silva and Dober bowed and embraced, exhibiting mutual respect for the spectacle they’d just produced in front of a huge crowd.
But of all the people watching, Dominick Cruz was the one Silva cared the most about.
In his post-fight interview, he told Paul Felder: “We’re right by one of the greatest champions in history. Dominick Cruz said I’m ‘a different guy’. I’m different. I’m telling you, I am different.”
Agreeing with the comments, ‘The Irish Dragon’ replied: “You’ve proven that here tonight.”
An emotional Silva cried in the cage, expressing his thoughts on the man with whom he’d shared such an incredible fight.
He exclaimed: “I really want to thank Drew Dober. He’s a man I’ve followed throughout my career. He’s always proved to people that no matter the size, you can always go to war. He has a beautiful family. Thank you, Drew Dober.”
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