UFC Nashville began with a series of early finishes, highlighted by a significant knockout victory from Mike Davis, known as `Beast Boy`. This marked his first knockout win in nearly six years, signaling a strong return to form.
Davis`s previous fight in February in Saudi Arabia was an unusual outing, ending in a loss to Fares Ziam – his first defeat since before the COVID-19 pandemic. Davis claimed the loss was due to challenges associated with fighting overseas, and his impressive performance in Nashville seemed to validate this explanation.
Facing Mitch Ramirez, Davis came close to finishing the fight in the first round via submission. However, the bout transitioned to a striking battle in the second round, where Davis ultimately prevailed with a devastating knockout. He later attributed his success in the stand-up exchanges to his training at the renowned Cus D`Amato`s KO Boxing Gym in New York, the same gym where boxing legend Mike Tyson honed his skills.
Mike Davis secures brutal knockout win over Mitch Ramirez at UFC Nashville
Following his unexpected defeat to Fares Ziam, Mike Davis, who was a significant favorite against Mitch Ramirez, understood the importance of delivering a dominant performance. He almost achieved an early finish, taking Ramirez`s back and attempting a choke in the opening minutes, but he couldn`t lock in the submission.
Davis spent the majority of the first round attempting to secure the choke from Ramirez`s back. As the second round commenced, the fight shifted to striking. The underdog, Ramirez, even landed some hard shots and briefly seemed to threaten Davis.
Ultimately, Davis`s superior striking took over. He landed a powerful knee, which he quickly followed up with punches to finish the fight. This knockout was one of several finishes on the card up to that point in the evening.
Mike Davis credits training at Mike Tyson’s old gym for striking success
After his emphatic win, Davis spoke with Daniel Cormier in the octagon about his performance. He highlighted his boxing skills as key to his victory, explaining that he trained at Cus D’Amato’s KO Boxing Gym in the Catskills, New York.
“I come from a boxing background,” Davis stated in the interview. “And in boxing you’re not supposed to throw every punch with 100 per cent because you are going to get tired so you pitter pat. You heard my corner telling me ‘move a little here, touch touch’ and that’s what I’m trying to do.”
He elaborated on his strategy: “I’m touching you up making sure I can see where openings are coming from and then hit him really hard where it matters… I’m a boxer at heart, I come from Cus D’Amato’s gym in the Catskills, New York. I come from the same boxing gym as Mike Tyson, you guys want to see me box, I can box and I’m here.”
Jack Thornley