Daniel Zellhuber 'lacked something' fighting at UFC Apex, says Noche UFC crowd was unbelievable
LAS VEGAS – Daniel Zellhuber relishes fighting in front of a crowd.
Zellhuber (14-1 MMA, 2-1 UFC) submitted Christos Giagos (20-11 MMA, 6-7 UFC) with an anaconda choke in Round 2 of their lightweight bout at Noche UFC at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.
Zellhuber got a nice pop from the pro-Mexico crowd, and hopes he never has to go back to fighting at the UFC Apex like he did for Dana White’s Contender Series, then his UFC debut.
“I love fighting for the crowd. I love fighting for people,” Zellhuber told MMA Junkie and other reporters post-fight at Noche UFC. “I feel weird when I fight at the Apex. I remember when I fought on the Contender Series – those types of fights are weird because you lack something, and in these last two fights that I had with big crowds, it’s something unbelievable. That’s the best – fighting for a crowd.”
Prior to cinching the bonus-winning anaconda choke, Zellhuber was rocked early by veteran Giagos before he was able to turn the tide. Although it wasn’t a flawless performance, Zellhuber is overall happy with the win.
“It was a great win against a tough opponent,” Zellhuber said. “A guy that has losses against tough guys, Gilbert Burns, Charles Oliveira, Thiago Moises, Arman Tsarukyan – I just beat that guy, so I’m excited. I’m happy.”
For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for Noche UFC.