LAS VEGAS – Matthew Semelsberger beat Martin Sano with a first-round knockout Saturday on the preliminary card at UFC 266 in Las Vegas.
Take a look inside the fight with Semelsberger, who joined Anthony Johnson as just the second fighter in UFC history with two knockouts in 20 seconds or less.
Martin Sano vs. Matthew Semelsberger
Result: Matthew Semelsberger def. Martin Sano via knockout (punch) – Round 1, 0:15
Updated records: Semelsberger (9-3 MMA, 3-1 UFC), Sano (4-3-1 MMA, 0-1 UFC)
Key stat: Semelsberger’s knockout was the sixth fastest in UFC welterweight history.
Semelsberger on the fight's key moment
Sep 25, 2021; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Matthew Semelsberger reacts following his knockout victory against Martin Sano during UFC 266 at T-Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
“I knew I had the ability to go in there and finish it lightning quick. I have that ability with anyone I fight.”
One punch is all @SemiTheJedi needed 👊
[ #UFC266 | Early Prelims Live on @ESPNPlus & @UFCFightPass ] pic.twitter.com/wWeSUZ0HTs
— UFC (@ufc) September 25, 2021
Semelsberger on the matchup with Sano
Sep 25, 2021; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Matthew Semelsberger is declared the winner by knockout against Martin Sano during UFC 266 at T-Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
“I knew he trained with Nick Diaz and had been at Diaz’s camp for a while – at least since 2014. … He comes from a world-class camp. He trains with really good people. So I didn’t really buy into the whole ‘They’re just bringing this guy in (to lose).’ I was fully ready for a war with a better version of Martin Sano.”
Semelsberger on what he wants next
“I’m not much of a callout person. I’m just kind of happy to be here, and whoever the UFC feels is a good challenge for me, I’m like, ‘All right. Let’s do it, man.’ But I will say if there’s any welterweights out there that want to dance, give me a call and we can set something up.”
To hear more from Semelsberger, check out the video of the full post-fight interview above.
