Samman knocked out Gordon at UFC 181. Photo: Josh Hedges/Zuffa LLC
Even with the UFC 181 card full of stars, one of the highlights of the event was the unknown Josh Samman. The North American had a moment of overcoming in the preliminary fights last Saturday (6), in Las Vegas (USA), with his beautiful victory over Eddie Gordon by knockout.
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At 26 years old, Samman had not fought since April 2013, as he was away from fighting due to a serious problem in his personal life. In August 2013, the American fell into depression after losing his girlfriend, 22-year-old 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.
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. Precisely for this reason, the fight against Gordon was surrounded by several of the fighter's feelings. “There have been a lot of moments of doubt since the last time I was in the Octagon, but as soon as I arrived in Las Vegas, I knew in my mind, in my heart, that I was going to win. Saturday was easy compared to everything my family has been through. This one’s for you,” said Samman, right after the fight.
Samman, who had been getting the worst of the fight against Gordon, trusted in the blow that gave him the victory. “It happened exactly as I predicted. I told everyone in my training that I would win with a left high kick,” he stated.
Because of the knockout, Samman received a bonus of US$50 from the UFC, as he starred in one of the “Performances of the Night”.
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