Kauê Fernandes' victim at UFC Paris speaks out about his loss and updates his leg condition: 'I was devastated'

Kaue Fernandes knocked out Harry Hardwick in the UFC Paris (Photo: Twitter/UFC News)

Kaue Fernandes secured a victory via a rare knockout. The Brazilian finished off Harry Hardwick with a low kick that detonated his rival's leg and left him knocked out on the canvas. The lightweights (up to 70,3 kg) faced off in the preliminaries of the UFC Paris, held this Saturday (6), at Accor Arena, and the Rio native ended the duel at three minutes and 21 seconds of the first round. This Sunday, Hardwick came out to talk about the defeat.

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“Much respect to Kaue Fernandes"I've honestly never felt kicks like that, and I hope no one else I know or care about ever feels pain like that. I was devastated. I wish him all the best as he tries to make it to the top 15 in the UFC lightweight division," Hardwick wrote on his official Instagram account.

"Obviously, this wasn't how I wanted to debut in the UFC with four days' notice, two injured legs, and a TKO loss, but it is what it is. I'm fine, my legs hurt, but I can stand, my heart is a little broken, but my mind remains strong. It's back to square one for me, and I'll come back stronger, with a full camp and at featherweight," he declared.

Hardwick leaves Octagon in wheelchair

First Brazilian in action in UFC Paris, this Saturday (6), Kaue Fernandes delivered a memorable performance in the French capital. The Brazilian lightweight (up to 70,3 kg) defeated Harry Hardwick by TKO in the first round after destroying both of the British fighter's legs with powerful kicks. The damage was so severe that the Englishman had to leave the octagon in a wheelchair after the fight.

The victory over Harry Hardwick was his third consecutive Kaue Fernandes in the world's largest MMA organization. The Brazilian has not lost since his Octagon debut in November 2023.

On the other hand, Hardwick debuted with a loss in the organization. The Brit accepted the fight in the week of UFC Paris, replacing fares ziam.