Even in defeat, it’s tough to wipe the smile off Drew Dober’s face.
Despite a disappointing result after an absolutely gruesome cut was opened over his right eye that forced the referee to stop his fight against Jean Silva at UFC Denver, Dober still managed to keep things positive after getting stitched up backstage. The veteran lightweight showed off the aftermath of the gash that cost him the fight while releasing a statement about the loss on Instagram.
“Such an honor to be able to step in there and show off my heart and determination,” Dober said. “Thank you, Denver, and the UFC for these moments and opportunities. There is no shame in failure. Just an opportunity to become a better man.”
In typical fashion, Dober went out looking for the highlight-reel finish as he engaged in a battle with Silva from the first second of the fight until the very last.
There were more than a few moments that showed off Dober’s incredible durability as he absorbed some punishing shots from the Brazilian. With just seconds remaining in the second round, Silva uncorked a wicked spinning back elbow that clubbed Dober and left him on wobbly legs, but the horn sounded before the Brazilian was potentially able to take advantage of the damage done.
By that time, Dober was already dealing with the cut over his eye, which came from an earlier elbow landed by Silva. It wasn’t until the third round when Silva connected with yet another elbow strike that completely split Dober open that referee Herb Dean was forced to pause the contest.
It took the ringside physician only a split second to look at the open wound and determine that it wasn’t safe for Dober to continue, so the fight was stopped.
Still, it was a valiant effort from Dober, who came to put on a show like he always does.
While it certainly wasn’t the result he wanted, Dober did leave Denver with an extra $50,000 after earning Fight of the Night honors for the fourth time in his UFC career.
