American welterweight Charles Radtke, a.k.a. “Chuck Buffalo,” was public enemy number one in Montreal on Saturday, heading into a welterweight clash with Mike Malott at UFC 315.
Radtke had taken on the heel role ahead of the fight, playing up Donald Trump’s aspirations of annexing Canada as the “51st state” and claiming he wanted payback for Canadians booing the U.S. national anthem. After a handshake snub at Friday’s ceremonial weigh-ins, it had been Canadian fans booing Radtke directly, something which would repeat itself on Saturday night.
In the featured prelim at Welterweight, Radtke came out as the aggressor pushing Malott to fight off the back foot. Malott threw a few leg kicks before landing a short left hook on the inside. Radtke continued to press forward and connected on a straight right hand. In the center of the cage Malott tagged Radtke with a hook to the body and a left hand upstairs that staggered Radtke.
The Canadian crowd in attendance began to shower Radtke with boo’s and chants. The volume of Malott was starting to take effect in the round, as he had landed nearly three time the amount of total strikes. At the end of the round Radtke attempted a wild right hand that narrowly missed. With five minutes concluded Malott was out to an early lead.
In the opening minute of the second round, Malott stung Radtke with a beautiful combination in the center of the cage. As Radtke entered in he was met with a left hook that dropped him to his back. Malott immediately pounced on Radtke and connected on some of the most viscous ground and pound in recent memory sending his opponent unconscious. The crowd in attendance erupted in support of the fellow countryman. This impressive KO win improved Malott’s record to 7-1 in his last 8 fights.
Official Result: Mike Malott def. Charles Radtke via R2 KO, 0:26
