Melissa Gatto is now the proud proprietor of one of many strangest finishes in UFC historical past.
All three of Gatto’s octagon victories have come inside the space, none extra memorable than the win she scored over Tamires Vidal at UFC Vegas 92 on Saturday. Early within the third spherical of their bantamweight contest, Gatto caught Vidal with what seemed to be a glancing punch throughout the chest, which prompted Vidal to retreat whereas wincing in ache.
Gatto didn’t hesitate to comply with up with strikes till referee Chris Tognoni stepped in for the stoppage.
On the night’s post-fight press convention, Gatto defined what precisely was stepping into on her thoughts when she noticed Vidal’s odd response.
“I watched the final combat of her and all the time she feels that,” Gatto mentioned. “And he or she all the time tries to cease the combat, however the [referee] mentioned to me, ‘Don’t cease. You go.’ And I’m going and I end, I get my victory.”
Gatto reiterated that she’s seen Vidal act equally earlier than and was not shocked by her response.
The stoppage was met with little controversy, particularly contemplating that Gatto was up on all three scorecards anyway, however the second did generate some amused responses on social media.
Gatto confused that she was ready for the scenario because of her dogged dedication to tape examine.
“I watch all of my fights, all of my opponents’ fights,” Gatto mentioned. “Day-after-day. Day-after-day, each time.”
The stoppage win couldn’t have come at a greater time for Gatto, who entered Saturday on a two-fight dropping streak. She is now 3-2 within the UFC, with wins over Vidal, Sijara Eubanks, and Victoria Leonardo. Her previous seven wins have all come by way of knockout or submission.
Gatto is raring to combat once more quickly, and although her transfer as much as 135 kilos was by no means meant to be everlasting, she’s keen to compete in two divisions if the matchmakers ask her to take action.
“I wish to combat in August within the flyweight division, but when the UFC desires me in bantamweight division, I’m right here,” Gatto mentioned. “I’m right here to combat. I wish to combat. I used to be born to combat.”
