Manuel Torres celebrated a major career win at UFC Mexico, but the victory`s conclusion sparked debate.
Torres definitively earned his first-round knockout against Drew Dober. After staggering Dober with a powerful right hand, Torres secured the finish with a barrage of hammer fists. However, the timing of referee Mike Beltran`s intervention prompted some to question the stoppage.
Fellow UFC lightweight Renato Moicano alluded to the controversy on social media, quoting the famous line from Rocky 4, “If he dies, he dies,” referencing Apollo Creed`s fatal fight with Ivan Drago.
During the post-fight press conference, Torres addressed the scrutiny surrounding the referee`s decision.
Speaking through a Spanish translator, Torres commented, “Looking at the replay, I was delivering significant damage, yet the referee didn`t halt the fight. As a professional, I continued fighting. However, I did sense my opponent was nearing defeat even before the fight was stopped.”
While acknowledging the fight could have been stopped earlier, Torres also suggested Beltran might have been unsighted, unable to clearly see Dober`s condition. During the final sequence, Dober`s face was partially obscured as he clung to Torres’s leg while absorbing unanswered hammer fists.
Despite the obscured view, many felt Beltran had ample reason to stop the fight. Torres, however, doesn`t criticize the referee`s judgment.
“These things happen in certain positions,” Torres explained. “In this instance, Drew Dober was looking down, making it difficult for the referee to fully assess his state. Perhaps they can refine protocols for such situations, but he was in a very challenging position.”
Torres emphasized his focus was on fighting, leaving the stoppage to the referee. Dober`s quick return to his feet and fight-ready stance after the stoppage suggested he was unaware the bout had concluded.
Regardless, this victory positions Torres for bigger opportunities, marking his fourth win and bonus in just five UFC appearances. He now aims to compete at the upcoming UFC 320 event in Guadalajara, Mexico.
“UFC just announced a Mexico event on September 13th, and I definitely want to be part of it,” Torres stated. “I feel I represent Mexico strongly and would love to fight in Mexico again, ideally against a top 15 ranked opponent.”
