A knockout artist woke up the crowd at UFC Perth.
Light heavyweights headline this weekend’s UFC Fight Night from Western Australia as former title challenger Dominick Reyes meets fellow top contender Carlos Ulberg in five rounds or less.
The local fans had to get up early for the UFC Perth prelims, which began at 7AM with an impressive decision win for Alexia Thainaira over ranked contender Loma Lookboonmee.
The first finish of the morning soon followed in the heavyweight division.
Brando Peričić wins UFC debut with ferocious first-round knockout
Welcome to the UFC, Brando Peričić.
The Australian heavyweight improved to 5-1 as a pro in his UFC debut against Elisha Ellison.
Peričić was nearly 35 lbs heavier than Ellison at the weigh-ins and his power showed, stunning Ellison with an overhand right on the feet.
Ellison tried to go for a double-leg takedown against the cage but fell backwards.
From top position, Peričić rained down several punches to knock out Ellison.
Ellison’s body went stiff on the ground, with Peričić landing two more shots on him before the referee rushed in to stop the contest.
Australia’s Peričić celebrated the win in his debut with a Haka dance.
Michelle Montague also won her UFC debut
New Zealand’s Michelle Montague says she felt the pressure coming into this week.
Montague, a teammate of UFC champ Kayla Harrison, made her UFC debut as well as her bantamweight debut on the UFC Perth Prelims.
Montague nearly finished veteran opponent Luana Carolina, en route to a unanimous decision victory.
The undefeated fighter improved to 7-0 with the win in her debut. Montague is the first Kiwi woman to step into the UFC Octagon.