The re-tooled Gabriel Gonzaga continues to impress.
The Ludlow, Mass.-based fighter, who once challenged Randy Couture for the UFC heavyweight title, has looked like a new fighter in his second UFC stint.
This continued Saturday, as he blitzed Shawn Jordan for a quick first-round knockout. Gonzaga victory at UFC 166 in Houston’s Toyota Center came at 1:33 of the first round.
Jordan connected on a straight right, then missed on a left. Gonzaga then pounced, as he drilled Jordan, who was pressing forward, with a counter right hand. Jordan dropped to the mat and Gonzaga landed a series of hammerfists to finish the fight.
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“I know he’s a really active guy and has the power to knock someone out,” Gonzaga said. “Counter attack, reverse.”
It was Gonzaga’s second straight first-round finish. He’s won four of five since returning to the UFC.
“t feels great to be back and climbing back to a title shot,” Gonzaga (17-7) said.
Jordan (15-5) had a two-fight win streak snapped.