Flyweight action kicked off the UFC 278 card on Saturday in Salt Lake City, Utah, with a fight that saw Daniel Da Silva paired up with Contender Series winner Victor Altamirano.
Da Silva had lost two straight, and was badly in need of a first UFC victory. But it was Altamirano starting hot, going on the offensive early. That led to some quick back-and-forth exchanges, including a spinning high kick that sailed wide. It was Da Silva who then drew first blood, knocking Altamirano down with a right hand.
Altamirano survived, and got back to his feet, but was clearly hurt and still under fire. Da Silva went to the body, but Altamirano responded with a knee to the mid-section that dropped Da Silva! Altamirano then got on top, dropping ground n’ pound. He had to avoid an arm-bar attempt, but was able to drop some vicious elbows, slicing open Brazil’s Da Silva. An avalanche of elbows followed, each more punishing than the rest. While Da Silva was covering up, he was still taking a massive amount of damage.
Soon enough, Da Silva’s defense became less than intelligent, and the ref called it. Mexico’s Altamirano earns his first UFC victory in style.
Official Result: Victor Altamirano def, Daniel Da Silva by TKO (ground n’ pound), Round 1, 3:39
