Manuel Torres achieved a significant victory at UFC Mexico, knocking out Drew Dober. However, the fight`s conclusion sparked debate due to the referee`s timing of the stoppage.
While no one questioned Torres`s first-round TKO win after he hurt Dober with a powerful right hand and followed up with hammer fists, some observers, including UFC lightweight Renato Moicano, felt referee Mike Beltran allowed the fight to continue for too long.
At the post-fight press conference, Torres addressed the controversy, stating that he continued attacking because the referee hadn`t stopped the fight. He also acknowledged that Dober appeared to be in trouble even before the final blows.
Torres suggested that referee Beltran might have been in a position where it was difficult to clearly see Dober`s condition as Torres rained down hammer fists while Dober was clinging to his leg.
Despite appearances suggesting the fight could have been stopped sooner, Torres doesn`t blame Beltran for the perceived error, recognizing that such situations can occur in fighting.
Torres believes the referee`s view might have been obstructed by Dober`s position, making it challenging to determine if Dober was still conscious. He suggests improvements could be made in these specific scenarios.
Ultimately, Torres had no control over the stoppage other than to keep fighting. Dober quickly returned to his feet after the fight was stopped, seemingly unaware it was over.
With this win, Torres has positioned himself for bigger opportunities in the UFC, boasting four wins and four performance bonuses in his first five appearances. He expressed his desire to compete at the upcoming UFC 320 event in Guadalajara, Mexico, ideally against a top-ranked opponent.
Torres emphasized his strong connection to Mexico and his wish to represent his country by fighting on the Mexican UFC card in September against a top 15 opponent.
