Steven Peterson’s countered Martin Bravo’s spinning backfist — with an even better spinning backfist. Peterson connected with Bravo’s jaw with an audible crack to end the fight in a knockout during the second round at Fight Night 159 in Mexico City on Saturday.
Peterson (18-9) is the seventh fighter in UFC history to win on a spinning backfist knockout.
“(That was my best knockout), 100 percent,” Peterson told MMA Junkie backstage at Mexico City Arena. “I’ve never had an out-cold knockout in my MMA career of 26 pro fights.”
Not only was the K.O. brutal, but Peterson’s decision to keep hitting Bravo was cringe-worthy. Peterson chased Bravo (11-3) with repeated attempts at the head before the referee could arrive to shove Peterson and call the match.
In an 1-on-1 with MMA Junkie after the match, Peterson reflected on his decision to keeping hitting Bravo while he was down.
“Honestly, I felt kind of guilty. I felt kind of bad going for that finishing blow. But (referee) Herb (Dean) wasn’t there yet, and I didn’t know if (Bravo) was going to bounce back up and hop in on a single-leg (takedown). So I just had to take those shots. Afterward, when he was still on the ground, I felt remorse. But when you look back on the moment, I’ve knocked guys down before, and they’ve hopped up on a single-leg. In the moment, you have to go for it. If the ref’s not stopping the fight, you’ve got to continue to fight till the ref stops it.”
Was the punch that followed too much? Apparently, even the fighter isn’t sure. But with Bravo laying prostrate and eyes closed, the follow-up certainly seemed entirely unnecessary.
