Diego Lopes scores stunning KO over Steve Garcia to kick off UFC White House

Diego Lopes kicked off the UFC’s historic White House show with a sensational knockout of Diego Lopes.

The Brazilian looked hesitant to exchange in the opening round, but eventually let his hands go in the second, finishing his American opponent with a beautiful combination.

AFP

AFP

Lopes dazzles in first White House fight

After US President Donald Trump and UFC CEO Dana White made a grand entrance to take their seats in the makeshift $60million arena on the South Lawn, we got underway in the featherweight division.

“I have seen some surreal things in my life; this is the most surreal,” Joe Rogan said from the commentary booth moments before the first fight.

Garcia made a strong start to round one, acting as the early aggressor in the initial exchanges.

The American stayed out of range while Lopes, who looked hesitant to get up close and personal, tried to go high with a few head kicks.

Garcia then landed a well-timed left-right combination in the final moments of the first stanza that seemed all but his.

He continued the momentum in round two, working his jab to keep Lopes at bay before landing another straight left.

Lopes had kept his output limited, but signs of momentum shifting in his favour began to show at the midway point.

The No. 2-ranked UFC featherweight briefly landed with an overhand right before a wild exchange followed.

A beautiful left hook from Lopes had Garcia on wobbly legs, and the Brazilian followed up with a right that cracked his opponent square on the jaw before another left sent him flying to the canvas.

It was the beginning of the end, and Lopes seized his opportunity, jumping on top of Garcia to leave referee Mike Beltran with no choice but to wave off the fight.

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“Bro, this is unbelievable,” Lopes told Rogan after his win.

“I know Steve is so dangerous… nobody can beat me in a dog fight. I will knock you out.”

BREAKING NEWS… more to follow.