UFC star Drew Dober reassured fans after suffering one of the sport’s worst lacerations, resulting in a doctor-ruled loss at UFC Fight Night in Denver.
The 35-year-old, who trains with Elevation Fight Team, fought Brazilian Jean Silva in the main event on Saturday at Ball Arena and was faced with his opponent’s precise and sharp punches.
Towards the end of the second round, a large cut above Dober’s right eye became noticeably worrisome. As a result, referee Herb Dean called an official timeout less than two minutes into the third round before the cage doctor stopped the match.
After the loss by TKO, the American expressed his gratitude to the fans on social media.
“What an honor to stand there and show my heart and determination,” Dober wrote alongside a photo of his stitched wound.
UFC star Drew Dober reassured and encouraged fans after gruesome loss to Jean Silva
“Thank you, Denver, and the UFC for these moments and opportunities. There is no shame in failure. Just a chance to be a better person.”
Dober threw nothing but punches throughout the 12-minute match, connecting on 59 of his 147 attempts.
While he only landed 53 of 109 himself, Silva painted Dober’s face scarlet to claim victory in the Mile High City. While both fighters displayed their boxing skills in the match, Silva’s elbows proved to be the difference.
Nevertheless, both men showed the utmost respect and sportsmanship towards each other during and after the fight. Before the third round, Dober and Silva met in the center of the Octagon and shared a hug, followed by glove touches.
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Dober suffered a nasty cut above his right eye, forcing doctors to stop the fight
Jean Silva landed 53 of 109 significant punches, which resulted in damage to Dober’s eye
The Brazilian has scored two knockouts in the past two weeks to improve his record to 14-2
After the official announcement, Silva thanked and praised Dober for the heart he showed during the match.
Silva is coming off two impressive wins in two weeks, following a second-round knockout of Charles Jourdain at UFC 303 on June 29. His efforts have moved Silva to 14-2 with 11 knockouts and two submissions as he continues to climb the UFC lightweight rankings.
Dober is now 27-14 after losing his last two fights.