Ultimate Fighting Championship

Matt Mitrione makes short work of Gabriel Gonzaga in the first round

Published Dec. 13, 2014 8:30 p.m. ET

Damon Martin

Matt Mitrione picked up the biggest win of his 12-fight career on Saturday night as he knocked out former UFC title contender Gabriel Gonzaga with a sledgehammer right hand in the first round.

Mitrione entered the fight following two consecutive first-round knockouts, and now he got his third in a row with Saturday's win.

From the moment the fight started, Mitrione was bouncing light on his feet, moving in and around a very flat-footed Gonzaga.

The lack of momentum didn't stop Gonzaga from connecting with a right hand flush down the middle that staggered Mitrione in the opening minute, but the former Ultimate Fighter competitor bounced back with no problems.

Once he was stable on his feet again, Mitrione started to measure his shots while anticipating Gonzaga's offense and trying to land the perfect counter.

As Gonzaga stepped in looking for a body shot, Mitrione found his opening and connected with a quick right and followed it with a short left hook that put the Brazilian on the mat. Mitrione followed up with a huge flurry of shots while Gonzaga turtled up and covered his head.

Mitrione backed out when Gonzaga didn't move, but as he started to stand, the former NFL lineman uncorked a right hand straight down the pipe that landed flush on the chin. Gonzaga dropped back to the mat and referee Herb Dean saw enough and stopped the fight.

The win is Mitrione's third in a row overall, but by far the biggest quality victory he's had in his UFC career. This will certainly move Mitrione up the rankings and potentially earn him a shot against a top 10 competitor for his next trip to the Octagon.

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