In perhaps the biggest fight of his career to date, competing in a co-main event slot in front of his compatriots, Manuel Torres came out on top at UFC Mexico. He needed just one round to dispose of formerly ranked lightweight contender Drew Dober.
Less than two minutes into the fight, Torres landed a jab before following up with a right hand that floored Dober. The Mexican then followed it up with heavy ground-and-pound.
Referee Mike Beltran allowed the fight to continue on despite the cries from the commentary team that the fight was over. The veteran official finally stepped in after 15 unanswered shots.
Dober, holding onto Torres' leg, stood up believing the fight was still going. The American was left bewildered by Beltran's decision, while others criticized the referee for jumping in too late after Dober was already out of it.
Torres has won four of five since arriving to the UFC from his 2021 appearance on Dana White's Contender Series. He bounces back from a loss against Ignacio Bahamondes.
Dober, meanwhile, has now lost three of his last four following UFC Mexico.