Brad Riddell has dedicated the biggest victory of his UFC career to fallen teammate Fau Vake.
Riddell continued his unbeaten run in the world’s premier mixed martial arts promotion after winning a three-round war over 13th-ranked lightweight Drew Dober by unanimous decision in Arizona.
Facing a ranked opponent for the first time in the featured prelim bout of UFC 263, which was headlined by teammate Israel Adesanyas successful middleweight title defence, the Christchurch fighter survived a furious start and got better as the bout went on to come out on top of all three of the judges’ scorecards, 29-28.
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Brad Riddell celebrates his unanimous decision victory over Drew Dober at UFC 263.
But as soon as his hand was raised Riddell’s thoughts turned to City Kickboxing teammate Vake, a promising mixed martial artist who died last month due to injuries suffered after an alleged attack while waiting for a taxi in central Auckland.
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Four men charged over the incident appeared in the Auckland District Court on Tuesday, while one of the group has been charged with manslaughter.
“I was never going to lose this fight,” Riddell said. “I had a driving force that was bigger than me and I’m very, very grateful that I still get to walk on this planet.
Promising mixed martial artist Fau Vake died after an assault in Auckland’s CBD.
“The walkout song might have seemed a little bit weird but that was his walkout song.
“That was my tribute to his family because unfortunately he’ll never get to make this walk, but I miss you Fau and I hope you’re proud.”
It was a huge result for Riddell (10-1), who made it four from four since joining the UFC in 2019, with the result likely earning him a spot in the top-15 of the division.
With Riddell and Dober (23-11) both high-level strikers renowned for their action-packed style, the matchup was always expected to be a fight of the night contender.
It didn’t disappoint as the pair each took home a US$50,000 ($70,000) bonus that comes with winning the award.
Apart from the takedowns, which Riddell won 5-1, it was an extremely even contest. Dober rocked Riddell in the first round and by the second, the Kiwi was bleeding from his forehead and ridge of his nose.
However, on the back of a laser right-hand, Riddell out-landed his opponent 113-78 and won the significant strike count 89-73, according to UFC stats.
If it wasn’t for Dober’s granite-like chin Riddell probably would have won inside the distance, which looked to be the case after staggering the US southpaw in the dying stages only for the latter to survive.
Riddell was making his first appearance in ninth months after the bout against Gregor Gillespie, scheduled for March, was called off at the last minute due to Covid-19 protocols.
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Brad Riddell made it four from four in the UFC with his win over Drew Dober.
Both he and Dober let fly from the outset, but it was the Kiwi who looked in trouble early after being a rocked by a straight left hand.
Riddell responded by attempting a takedown, which bought him valuable time to clear the cobwebs. While it wasnt enough to steal the first round, Riddell worked his way back into the fight with several sharp right hands.
Dober started the second by landing his only takedown, but Riddell kept his composure and began to take control midway through the fight after a takedown of his own.
While there were no shortage of heavy exchanges, Riddell consistently beat Dober to the punch.
The American showed incredible toughness by eating a series of right hands. But that did him little good on the scorecards as Riddell pulled away at the back-end with his impressive cardio and stand-up game.
The contest finished with Riddell raining down punches from on top after wobbling Dober with a huge left hand, before the judges made the result official.