Only two and a half minutes were enough for the American fighter, Matt Frivola, to knock out his Moroccan opponent, Othman Zaiter, in the qualifying round for the UFC Championship, which was held, Saturday night, in New York, USA.
Matt Frevola had the crowd at Madison Square Garden eating out of his hand — the same hand he used to take Ottman Azaitar’s — the same hand he used to end Ottman Azaitar’s perfect record.
THE STEAM ROLLA MATT FREVOLA 👊@MattFre16 gets the first round KO! #UFC281 pic.twitter.com/N7Za7WkjmE
— UFC (@ufc) November 13, 2022
After walking out to “Narco” by Blasterjaxx and Timmy Trumpet — the same tune used by Mets closer Edwin Diaz this past season — the Huntington-based lightweight needed just half a round to knock out previously unbeaten Azaitar on the early preliminary portion of UFC 281 on Saturday night.
Makes that 2 wins in a row by KO for @MattFre16 💪 #UFC281 pic.twitter.com/u46KrPtyo8
— UFC (@ufc) November 13, 2022
“Unreal,” said Frevola (10-3-1 with six finishes) of the feeling of picking up his emphatic victory. “Honestly, this feels like a dream right now.”
The victory came 10 months after another first-round finish for Frevola, via TKO against Genaro Valdez, and lifted his UFC record to 4-3-1. Azaitar, who was competing for the first time in more than two years after he picked up two first-round TKOs to begin his UFC run, fell to 13-1 with 12 finishes.
Frevola took the center of the octagon early as both fighters struggled to find their preferred distance. Two minutes in, Azaitar landed a short left hook that got Frevola’s attention and allowed the Moroccan-German to take center.
Only one man @MattFre16 wants next 👀 #UFC281 pic.twitter.com/AJkYEe9GTE
— UFC (@ufc) November 13, 2022
After landing a stiff jab, Frevola took advantage of a sloppy rush from his opponent to land a stinging right hook upstairs followed by the left hook that put Azaitar’s lights out. Frevola managed to land a pair of winging right hooks to his vulnerable opponent, who lay on his side on the canvas.
“I was planning on, when he rushed forward like that, to change levels and take him down,” Frevola told reporters. “I’m a shark; I’m a lion. When I smell blood when you step into the wheelhouse, I’m gonna throw. And when I throw, I land. And when I hurt you, I finish you.”
The finish earned a big pop from the local crowd, which showered the Long Island native with cheers. He easily coaxed a healthy contingent of the fans to follow his nickname, “Steamrolla” with a sing-song “Fre-vo-la” follow-up.
Closing out the Early Prelims!@MattFre16 and @OttmanAzaitar are on their way to the Octagon at #UFC281!
Tune in live now on @ESPNPlus 📺📱 pic.twitter.com/9ohGr0cvcC
— UFC (@ufc) November 13, 2022
