UFC star Drew Dober reassured and encouraged fans after a gruesome loss to Jean Silva at UFC Denver. The 35-year-old, who trains out of Elevation Fight Team, fought Brazil’s Jean Silva at Ball Arena during Saturday’s main card and fell to his opponent’s precise and sharp striking.
By the end of the second round, a large cut on top of Dober’s right eye became noticeably concerning. As a result, referee Herb Dean called an official timeout less than two minutes into the third before the cage-side doctor waved off the fight.
Following the TKO loss, the American took to social media and expressed his gratitude towards the fans. “Such an honor to be able to step in there and show off my heart and determination,” Dober wrote with a photo of his cut stitched up. “Thank you, Denver, and the UFC for these moments and opportunities. There is no shame in failure. Just an opportunity to become a better man.”
Dober threw nothing but significant strikes throughout the 12-minute contest, landing 59 of his 147 attempts. While landing just 53 (out of 109) of his own, Silva painted Dober’s face crimson to earn the victory in Mile High City. Although both fighters showed their boxing prowess in the bout, Silva’s elbow strikes 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 at the center of the Octagon and shared a hug, followed by glove touches.
Silva has impressively scored two wins in two weeks after a round two knockout over Charles Jourdain at UFC 303 on June 29. His activity has moved Silva to 14-2 with 11 knockouts and two submissions as he continues to climb up the UFC lightweight rankings.
On the other hand, Dober moved to 27-14 after losing his last two fights.
