Andre Soukhamthath made the most of a big opportunity at UFC Fresno Saturday night.
Stepping up on short notice to fill in for Bryan Caraway, Andre Soukhamthath had the chance of a lifetime at UFC Fresno. This, despite his back being against the wall after going 0-2 to start his run in the promotion. Against Luke Sanders, though, he had a tough opponent looking to bounce back from his first career loss.
Soukhamthath spoke to us about the bout ahead of UFC Fight Night 123, and the UFC’s first fighter of Lao heritage was clearly motivated for the fight. Sanders, of course, was equally motivated, and this bantamweight scrap promised fireworks.
Round one saw Sanders throwing some heavy shots, having the edge in the power department. Soukhamthath answered back, but couldn’t seem to get his offense going for the majority of the frame. While his footwork and movement looked good, he allowed Sanders to push the pace and dictate the round. Pinned against the fence, eating knees, Soukhamthath finished round one needing to correct course.
Correct course he did in the second. Coming out noticeably more active, he engaged with Sanders early. Sanders was still a threat, but in an exchange, Soukhamthath caught him clean on the jaw with a vicious right hook! Sanders went down immediately, and ‘The Asian Sensation’ pounced, following up with strikes while Sanders covered up. The ref had seen enough, waving it off, and Andre Soukhamthath had his first UFC win — talk about capitalizing on an opportunity.
Post-fight, Soukhamthath said he hoped to have kept his job: there’s no doubt about it after such a strong finish.
Andre Soukhamthath def. Luke Sanders by TKO, Round 2, 1:06
