BARUERI, Brazil — Dong Hyun Kim became the first fighter to finish Erick Silva in 20 MMA bouts, and he feels he was a little “lucky” during his performance at UFC Fight Night 29 in Barueri, Brazil.
Following two decision wins in the UFC, the South Korean told the media at the post-fight press conference that he wanted to get Silva tired before going for the finish.
“I expected that it would be a tough fight because Erick Silva is a good fighter,” Kim said through a translator. “I tried to wear him down a little. I knew he would try to punch me a lot, so I tried to counterattack.”
It was Kim’s first stoppage win since his UFC debut in 2008, and he said he was “lucky”.
“I tried to hold him down because he has strong punches and kicks, so I think I got lucky,” he said. “I didn’t want to go to the third round and it worked out. Erick Silva had a strong start, it was a war. I had to win this war.”
Right before he landed the left hand that stopped Silva, “Stun Gun” grabbed the fence to avoid a takedown, but he didn’t remember that at the press conference.
“I don’t remember about that,” he said. “But if I did it, I apologize.”