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Manuel “El Loco” Torres delivered a career-defining performance in the co-main event of UFC Mexico, brutally knocking out veteran Drew Dober in the first round. Fighting in front of a raucous home crowd at Arena CDMX in Mexico City, Torres electrified fans with his explosive striking, earning a highlight-reel finish and reasserting himself as one of the lightweight division’s most dangerous finishers.
BIG FINISH FOR MANUEL TORRES 💥 #UFCMexico pic.twitter.com/yh2RrQ0WIa
— ESPN MMA (@espnmma) March 30, 2025
El Loco’s Redemption
Coming into the fight, Manuel Torres (16-3) had something to prove after suffering a devastating knockout loss to Ignacio Bahamondes at UFC 306 last year. Fighting in his first co-main event, and on home soil no less, Torres embraced the pressure and delivered a performance that will be remembered for years to come.
The bout started fast, with both fighters exchanging heavy blows in the center of the Octagon. Dober, known for his durability and knockout power, looked to press forward and establish his rhythm. However, Torres quickly took control with his superior speed and precision. Midway through the opening round, Torres landed a perfectly timed counter right hand that wobbled Dober. Smelling blood, “El Loco” unleashed a ferocious 1-2 combination that sent Dober crashing to the canvas. Dober tried to hang on for dear life but follow up shots to the head from Torres put him out as the referee stepped in at 1:45 of the first round to stop the fight, awarding Torres the TKO victory.
The crowd erupted as Torres celebrated his victory, climbing the cage to soak in the adulation of his hometown fans. The win not only marked a triumphant return for Torres but also showcased his ability to perform under immense pressure against a seasoned opponent like Dober (27-15).
A Star is Born in Mexico City
Manuel Torres’ victory over Drew Dober was more than just another win—it was a statement. Known for his aggressive style and finishing ability, Torres has now secured all four of his UFC victories via first-round stoppage. This latest performance solidifies his reputation as one of the most exciting fighters in the lightweight division.
For Torres, this fight was about redemption and growth. In pre-fight interviews, he spoke about learning from his loss to Bahamondes and focusing on staying calm under pressure. That composure was evident against Dober as he picked his shots carefully and capitalized on every opening. His striking accuracy and ability to mix up attacks left Dober unable to find answers before the fight-ending sequence unfolded.
Drew Dober entered the bout looking to bounce back from back-to-back losses but instead suffered one of the most decisive defeats of his career. Known for his toughness and resilience, Dober had never been finished so quickly in his 42-fight career. The loss raises questions about what’s next for the 36-year-old veteran as he now finds himself on a three-fight losing streak.
What’s Next for Manuel Torres?
With this emphatic victory, Manuel Torres moves to 16-3 overall and positions himself as a rising contender in the stacked lightweight division. At just 30 years old, “El Loco” has plenty of time to climb the rankings and establish himself among the elite at 155 pounds. His fan-friendly style and ability to deliver highlight-reel finishes make him a must-watch fighter moving forward.
Manuel Torres’ spectacular knockout stood out as one of its defining moments for tonight's fight card. With an entire nation behind him and momentum on his side, “El Loco” is poised for big things in 2025—and fans can’t wait to see what he does next.
