While the UFC London card kept the crowd waiting for engaging action, a few fights on the card lived up to expectations. Out of them, the light heavyweight clash between Iwo Baraniewski and Austen Lane drew significant attention. Both fighters came in determined to win; Baraniewski entered as the heavy betting favorite at -700. However, as often seen in heavyweight fights, he knocked his opponent out in just 28 seconds of the first round.

“Iwo Baraniewski just knocked out Austen Lane in under 30 seconds! 100% finish rate and all in the first round,” wrote Home of Fight on X.

‘Rudy’ entered the fight with an unblemished 7-0 record and extended it to 8-0 with this win. The Polish star also preserved his perfect 100% finish rate. Although Lane landed a few early strikes, Iwo Baraniewski quickly took control and delivered a brutal knockout, completely shifting the momentum.

As a result, commentator Michael Bisping even praised his performance. With another win added to his streak, Baraniewski is now aiming to climb deeper into the division, and therefore, the promotion could very well match him against a top-15 opponent in the LHW rankings. Beyond his performance, it remains to be seen how much Iwo Baraniewski took home with him.

One thing is certain: Dana White must be thoroughly impressed with the rising Polish sensation. The sensation successfully accomplished his mission to turn the UFC London card into a blockbuster. Furthermore, with the UFC pursuing big ambitions through its $7.7 billion Paramount deal, Baraniewski delivered exactly as promised. He is not stopping there, as he now aims to prove himself over a full 15 minutes, and fans eagerly await his thoughts.

Iwo Baraniewski prepared for a full-length 15-minute showdown

From the moment 27-year-old Iwo Baraniewski stepped into the cage, he dominated his opponents from the very first round. Although he has had relatively few professional fights, he began his journey in the amateur circuit, where he not only remained undefeated but also finished most of his opponents in the opening round. When ‘Rudy’ transitioned to professional MMA, he carried that same dominance with him.

Whether using his knockout power or exceptional grappling, he has taken down numerous opponents in the Polish circuit, and now he is making the same impact in the American circuit, the biggest stage in mixed martial arts, the UFC. Currently, Baraniewski holds a 75% finish rate by knockout, while he has won the rest of his fights by submission—a record that even led UFC London commentator Michael Bisping to ask him about it during an Octagon interview.

“First round is your specialty. You’ve never been out of the first round,” Bisping asked.

To this, Baraniewski made it clear that he is ready for more rounds:

“Yes, but I’m ready for the 15 minutes. Now I was ready for the 15 minutes, but if I catch some punch, I finish in the first round,” Baraniewski said.

Now, Iwo Baraniewski has firmly secured his spot on Dana White & Co.’s roster. Who do you think he should face next in the LHW division? Drop your pick below.