UFC 181: Josh Samman knocks out TUF champion with accurate shin kick

Fighter had his first UFC fight in more than a year after his girlfriend died in a car accident

Bruno ferreira

07/12/2014 | 4:31

Samman applied a sharp shin kick to Gordon. Photo: Disclosure/UFC

UFC 181, held last Saturday (6), was a great moment of overcoming for Josh Samman. At 26 years old, the American returned to the Octagon after more than a year away and won with a beautiful knockout, putting TUF 19 champion, Eddie Gordon, to sleep.

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Samman was away from fighting for a long period due to a serious problem in his personal life. In August 2013, the American lost his 22-year-old girlfriend Hailey Bevis in a car accident. Hailey collided while exchanging text messages on her cell phone with Samman, who never forgave himself for what happened.

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To make the occasion even more emotional, Samman's return to the Octagon took place on what would have been his late girlfriend's birthday. “It was a tough year for me. Tonight was easy compared to what I went through. I can’t thank everyone enough for their support”, said the athlete, shortly after the knockout.