UFC newcomer Yorgan De Castro kicked off UFC 243’s main card in stunning fashion.
The Regiment Training Center product was welcomed to the Octagon by his fellow debutant Justin Tafa, a protege of mixed martial arts legend Mark Hunt.
De Castro’s maiden outing didn’t last long, though, as he turned off Tafa’s lights with a vicious straight right hand shortly after the two-minute mark.
Tafa was out cold for at least a minute and needed to be helped back to his feet upon waking.
De Castro’s stunning KO blew away former light-heavy and heavyweight champion Daniel Cormier, who was commentating alongside John Anik.
“De Castro was just a little bit straighter with his strike and put Tafa out,” ‘DC’ said as he broke down the knockout.
“I mean, toes curled, arms straight. He’s sleeping.”
UFC 243 Results So Far
Main Card
Justin Tafa vs Yorgan De Castro – De Castro def. Tafa via KO (punch) – Round 1, 2:10
Prelims
Jake Matthews vs Rostem Akman – Matthews def. Akman via unanimous decision – 29-28, 29-28, 29-28
Callan Potter vs Maki Pitolo – Potter def. Pitolo via unanimous decision – 29-28, 29-28, 29-28
Megan Anderson vs Zarah Fairn dos Santos – Anderson def. Fairn dos Santos via submission (triangle choke) – Round 1, 3:57
Jamie Mullarkey vs Brad Riddell – Riddel def. Mullarkey via unanimous decision (29-27, 30-26, 30-26)
Nadia Kassem vs Ji Yeon Kim – Kim def. Kassem via TKO (punches) – Round 2, 4:59
Khalid Taha vs Bruno Silva – Taha def. Silva via submission (arm-triangle) – Round 3, 3:00