LONDON, United Kingdom — Israeli lightweight Yanal Ashmoz made an impressive first impression in his Octagon debut at UFC 286 on Saturday night.
Bringing on local favorite Sam Patterson, who himself made his UFC debut via Contenders, Ashmoz knocked out the lanky Brit with a massive overhand. Soon after, the ground was pouring with rain and referee Marc Goddard waved the game to a halt.
Goddard could have called earlier.
Ashmoz (7-0), who has competed as part of the PFL Contenders, spoke to the media, including Cageside Press, backstage at the O2 Arena in London.
“The guy was out, man. He moved a little bit, but he [the ref] previously could block [Patterson was] Eat these shots,” Ashmoz observed. “Like every shot I hit, I looked at his face. If he could stop that, why not? But he’s the referee, so it’s his decision. “
Of course, fighting is Ashmoz’s job, and he does it until he stops. He didn’t notice Patterson trying to fight referee Goddard in a fugue state afterward, but he knew the damage was serious anyway.
“I didn’t see it, I was so excited, I just walked around. But, yeah, I watched him after that. He had a hard time getting up, so I knew it was serious. He shot it well.”
Ashmoz fights as villains in hostile territory, but notes that having fans rooting for you “isn’t going to change anything because when you’re in a cage, when it’s closed, the crowd isn’t going to help you.” Knockout Patterson The shot is nothing new for lightweight players who are used to fighting taller enemies.
“The tophand is very effective against tall guys. And most of the games, everyone is taller than me, so I’m used to it,” Ashmoz said. “I’m always the little one.”
Despite this, the weight will not drop. “Not lightweight, no no. I like too much, too hard.”
With any luck, though, you’ll see Yanal Ashmoz back in action soon. Although he has yet to come up with the name of a potential opponent, he added: “I’m fit, I’m fine, so in three months I’ll be back or something like that.”
Watch Yanal Ashmoz’s full post-fight media discussion with UFC 286 above.