UFC lightweight Drew Dober reassured fans following a doctor-stoppage loss due to a severe facial laceration at UFC Fight Night in Denver.

The 35-year-old veteran faced Brazilian Jean Silva in a main card bout at Ball Arena. Silva’s precise striking proved challenging for Dober throughout the contest.

As the second round concluded, a significant cut above Dober’s right eye became increasingly concerning. Less than two minutes into the third round, referee Herb Dean called for an official timeout. The cage-side physician then deemed Dober unfit to continue, resulting in a technical knockout victory for Silva.

Despite the loss, Dober demonstrated remarkable resilience. He withstood punishing blows from Silva, including a spinning back elbow near the end of the second round that visibly stunned the American fighter.

The fight-ending cut was initially caused by Silva’s elbow strike earlier in the match. Another elbow in the third round exacerbated the injury, prompting the referee’s intervention.

Following the bout, Dober took to social media to address his supporters. “It was such an honor to be able to step in there and show off my heart and determination,” he wrote, accompanying the post with an image of his stitched-up wound.

While the outcome differed from what Dober had hoped for, his efforts didn’t go unrecognized. After earning Fight of the Night honors for the fourth time in his UFC career, he walked away with an extra $50,000. 

Dober, who trains with Elevation Fight Team in Colorado, has been a mainstay in the UFC’s lightweight division since 2013. Known for his exciting fighting style and durability, he has become a fan favorite despite mixed results in recent outings.

The loss to Silva marks Dober’s second defeat in his last three fights, potentially impacting his standing in the competitive 155-pound weight class. However, his willingness to engage in crowd-pleasing battles continues to endear him to fans and UFC management.

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