The Ultimate Fighter 33 finalists Rodrigo Sezinando and Daniil Donchenko were already being hailed as the spectacular match-up fans couldn’t wait to see. The fight was originally set for UFC 319, but an injury to the Brazilian star forced it to be moved to UFC Noche. Fans expected a war, and Daniel Cormier’s pick didn’t disappoint—though he faced a major challenge in front of the San Antonio crowd during the card opener.

Both fighters came out swinging from the start! Donchenko and Sezinando immediately began trading shots, refusing to back down. But after just 90 seconds, the fight hit the mat, where the Ukrainian landed a flashy elbow and a right hand that split open Sezinando’s skin above his right eye. Referee Kerry Hatley briefly stopped the action to check the cut, but after a quick look, he let the fight continue

In the later minutes of the first round, Donchenko found his rhythm. After stuffing a takedown attempt, he capitalized on the opportunity, landing crisp strikes. He finally connected with a left hook and finished the fight with ground-and-pound attacks, securing the victory—and lifting the Ultimate Fighting Championship award and contract.  

After earning his shot in the UFC, the 24-year-old fighter didn’t waste time creating an iconic moment. He was ecstatic with the win, telling Daniel Cormier in the post-fight interview, “I’m not surprised. And guess what! I’m not only here to win the fight. I’m here to show my blood, and I’m here to show the blood of my opponents. And I promise, I will fight like this every time.

But that’s not all! Donchenko made it clear that he wants to turn things around as quickly as possible. He added, “Just give me the next opponent! That’s it.” That’s exactly the kind of mindset Dana White loves. After making his demands clear, the Ukrainian also shared how he used his elbows to dismantle Sezinando inside the cage.  

Daniil Donchenko turns down bonus after delivering a stellar finish at UFC Noche

It’s not a stretch to say that the TUF 33 winner impressed the crowd with his stellar finish. He looked sharper on the feet than his Brazilian opponent, Rodrigo Sezinando, and controlled the action when the fight hit the mat. But the standout part of his game was definitely his use of elbows.

Donchenko timed them perfectly whenever Sezinando came within range. To explain how he used the strikes to his advantage, he revealed in the post-fight interview, “Of course, it’s my knives, you know, my weapons. I think right now, I’m not allowed to go to the airport with my elbows. How can I go home?” It was definitely a funny answer, but then he made a request to Dana White that had nothing to do with a bonus.

He added, “I want to ask Dana and all the matchmakers—I don’t need my fight money. I want to sign this guy in the UFC. He’s 10 and 1. He beats me every time in sparring. I don’t need my money. Just sign him.” It was a wholesome moment to see the Ukrainian fighter push for his teammate to get a shot in the UFC. And he didn’t want to chase a bonus. That said, it looks like UFC CEO Dana White will be pleased with his performance and might still reward him.

With that said, what do you think about the ongoing UFC Noche event? Is it living up to the hype with all these exciting fights? Let us know in the comments below!