The stoppage in the Manuel Torres versus Drew Dober fight at the recent UFC event in Mexico City sparked debate among fans and analysts.
Manuel Torres defeated Drew Dober in the co-main event, securing a performance bonus. However, the fight`s conclusion, which occurred in the first two minutes, was deemed by some as premature and prompted discussions about Dober`s future in the sport.
Despite Dober`s attempts to recover, he absorbed significant follow-up strikes, leading many to believe the referee should have intervened earlier.
John McCarthy Discusses Hammer Fist Impact in Stoppage Analysis
On the “Weighing In” podcast, veteran MMA referee and commentator John McCarthy shared his insights on the controversial stoppage.
McCarthy, a key figure in the development of MMA`s Unified Rules and a UFC referee since 1994 until his retirement in 2018, offered his perspective on Mike Beltran`s officiating in the lightweight bout.
While not heavily criticizing Beltran, McCarthy acknowledged the difficulty of the decision. He highlighted that while the stoppage might have been slightly delayed, it was complicated by Dober`s initial attempts to recover, followed by Torres`s subsequent barrage of strikes.
McCarthy emphasized the often-underestimated power of hammer fists, explaining that they can be as impactful as straight punches. He noted that the series of undefended hammer fists Dober received contributed significantly to the need for the stoppage.
“The stoppage was a bit late, but understandable given the situation. Dober initially seemed to be recovering, but then absorbed about 15 hard shots. People often dismiss hammer fists, but they are powerful,” McCarthy stated.
He further elaborated on the power of hammer fists, citing studies that demonstrate their potential to deliver force comparable to straight punches, especially when undefended.
Drew Dober Reflects on Knockout Loss
Drew Dober, known for his aggressive fighting style, acknowledged his knockout loss to Manuel Torres. Dober, who has a high finishing rate in his victories, has recently faced setbacks, with only one win in his last five fights.
Following the fight in Mexico, Dober posted on social media, admitting his mistake in stepping into the path of Torres`s power punch. He praised Torres for capitalizing on the opportunity.
“Well, that sucked. Caught a well-timed combination from Manuel Torres. Not much else to say other than I walked right into a powerful punch,” Dober commented.
Dober`s statement suggests he intends to continue fighting, and his fans can anticipate his return to the Octagon later in the year.
Rupert Hartwell