LONDON – Yanal Ashmoz beat Sam Patterson with a first-round knockout Saturday on the preliminary card at UFC 286 at The O2 in London.
Take a look inside the fight with Ashmoz, who upset 3-1 favorite Patterson in what was each of their UFC debuts.
Yanal Ashmoz vs. Sam Patterson
Mar 18, 2023; London, UNITED KINGDOM; Sam Patterson (red gloves) reacts during his fight with Yanal Ashmouz (not pictured) during UFC 286 at O2 Arena. Mandatory Credit: Per Haljestam-USA TODAY Sports
Result: Yanal Ashmoz def. Sam Patterson via knockout (punches) – Round 1, 1:15
Updated records: Ashmoz (7-0 MMA, 1-0 UFC), Patterson (10-2-1 MMA, 0-1 UFC)
Key stat: Ashmoz has six of his seven pro wins by stoppage.
Ashmoz on the fight’s key moment
Mar 18, 2023; London, UNITED KINGDOM; Sam Patterson (red gloves) fights Yanal Ashmouz (blue gloves) during UFC 286 at O2 Arena. Mandatory Credit: Per Haljestam-USA TODAY Sports
“The overhands work very well against tall guys, and like most of the fights, all the guys are taller than me. So I’m used to it. I’m always like the small one.”
Ashmoz on the London fan support
Mar 18, 2023; London, UNITED KINGDOM; Yanal Ashmouz (blue gloves) celebrates after defeating Sam Patterson (not pictured) during UFC 286 at O2 Arena. Mandatory Credit: Per Haljestam-USA TODAY Sports
“I felt how loud the fans were. Obviously, they were going to be with me. But that doesn’t change anything because when you’re in the cage, when it closes, the crowd doesn’t help you. So I don’t care too much about that.”
Ashmoz on what he wants next
Yanal Ashmoz
“I don’t have anyone in particular, but I’m healthy. I’m good. So in three months, I’m going to come back, or something like that.”
To hear more from Ashmoz, check out the video of the full post-fight interview above.
For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC 286.