Cezar Mutante certainly looks the part, but as C.B. Dollaway showed in the co-main event of UFC Fight Night 38 in Natal, Brazil on Sunday night, he doesn’t always play it as the American put the imposing Brazilian away in less than a minute with a blistering striking push.
The round started as expected with Mutante opening southpaw and Dollaway with an orthodox stance. Mutante pushed Dollaway backwards and into the fence, trying to unload, but largely missing. Dollaway, keeping his eyes open and staying calm, waited until Mutante issued his last punch to return one of his own that rocked the Brazilian immediately. Two more landed as Mutante fell to the mat and the American pounced.
A few more shots from Dollaway and referee Mario Yamasaki had seen enough, halting the contest at :39 of the very first round.
“I’ve been working with Jose Benavidez, Sr. New boxing coach. Obviously my stand-up game is developing. I believe with the mix of wrestling and keep working with him, you know, I’ll move into the top this year and become a real contender,” Dollaway told UFC commentator Jon Anik post fight.
Dollaway, however, wasn’t sure if he left the Octagon unscathed.
“[My right hand]’s starting to feel swelling up. I don’t know. Once the adrenaline comes down. We’ll see, I’m pretty pumped up after a victory like that.”
Dollaway’s record jumps to 14-5 while Mutante slides to 7-3.