Matthew Semelsberger blasts Jason Witt with 16-second KO to start UFC Fight Night 187
Viewers who tuned in late to UFC Fight Night 187 might’ve missed Matthew Semelberger’s sophomore promotional appearance.
Semelsberger (8-2 MMA, 2-0 UFC) faced Jason Witt in Saturday’s curtain jerker and needed only 16 seconds to pick up his second victory in the UFC.
In the opening exchange, Semelsberger blasted Witt (18-7 MMA, 1-2 UFC) with a straight right hand thrown directly down the pipe. The timing was perfect, as Witt had just opened himself up with a leg kick attempt.
After the blow connected, Witt flew backward and crashed to the mat. His head bounced off the canvas, and he was met by a glancing follow-up bomb from Semelsberger. Referee Chris Tognoni dove in and saved Witt from any further damage.
Check it out (via Twitter):
Gone in 15 seconds @SemiTheJedi #UFCVegas21 pic.twitter.com/2cbYlhsbdH
— ESPN MMA (@espnmma) March 13, 2021
With the win, Semelsberger extends his winning streak to five. In his UFC debut, he defeated Carlton Minus via unanimous decision. Only having gone to the decision once, Semelsberger now has five knockouts and two submissions to his name.
Meanwhile, Witt has suffered two first-round knockouts in three appearances since signing with the UFC in June 2020. All seven of Witt’s pro losses have been by finish.