Drakkar Klose scored a super rare knockout earlier tonight (Sat., Dec. 2, 2023) at UFC Austin live on ESPN/ESPN+ from inside Moody Center in Austin, Tex., when the lightweight veteran slammed Joe Solecki on the side of his head while defending an armbar attempt.
Solecki came into this fight knowing his best path to victory would be on the ground. Luckily, Solecki was able to get in deep on a takedown early and quickly gained top control. He kept baiting Klose to give up his back, but once Solecki went to take it Klose reversed and ended up on top.
Solecki, who is usually doing work from top position, didn’t waste too much time before threatening with a nasty armbar off his back. It was tight, which prompted Klose to lift Solecki up and slam him on his head. Solecki’s temple crashed into the canvas and he was instantly out. It took the referee a moment or two to realize what happened, but Klose was nice enough to not do any extra damage.
Check out the final moments in the above player.
Klose, 35, has now won his last three trips to the Octagon. He has always floated just outside of the lightweight top 15, but after this knockout win to cap off a huge 2022-2023 stretch he might get a ranked opponent his next time out.
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