Brad Riddell rewarded the early bird UFC fans with quite possibly the best performance of his career at UFC 263, getting the unanimous decision over no.13 ranked lightweight Drew Dober.
In three rounds of utter violence, the Auckland native kicked off City Kickboxing’s big night with an explosive first round that ended in a flurry of punches from both men, a cut to Riddell and menacing grins from both corners.
The final fight of the prelims went the full three rounds, though that could be more attributed to the incredible chin of Dober rather than a patiently fought affair.
WHAT. A. FIGHT. 🤯 #UFC263 pic.twitter.com/Hds9yUb8Qv
— UFC (@ufc) June 13, 2021
All judges award the fight 29-28 to Riddell.
Riddell dedicated the win to his late teammate Fau Vake, who lost his life after an alleged assault in May.
"My friend got murdered two weeks ago, so I was never going to lose this fight," Riddell told Joe Rogan in the Octagon afterwards. "I had a driving force that was bigger than me and I'm very, very grateful that I still get to walk on this planet.
"The walkout song might have seemed a little bit weird but that was his walkout song.
"That was my tribute to his family because unfortunately he'll never get to make this walk again but I miss you Fau and I hope you're proud."
Great fight between Riddell and Dober. Riddell gets the win. Awesome to see Izzy rooting for his guy back in the locker room. #UFC263 pic.twitter.com/kdna09L5wA
— Simon Samano (@SJSamano) June 13, 2021
Wow what a fight!!! #ufc263
— GILBERT BURNS DURINHO (@GilbertDurinho) June 13, 2021
Yeeeeeaaaah @bradquakeriddel 🙌🏼 what a fight!! #UFC263
— Alex Volkanovski (@alexvolkanovski) June 13, 2021
Riddell’s Octagon improves to 4-0.