Louis Smolka ’s streak of avoiding the knockout came to an end Saturday at UFC on ESPN 31 courtesy of Vince Morales . Morales (11-5 MMA, 3-3 UFC) scored a violent first-round finish of Smolka (17-8 MMA, 8-8 UFC) in their bantamweight matchup, which took place at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas. As Smolka tried to attack with knees in the clinch, Morales loaded up on a counter left hand that dropped him and put the lights out for the stoppage at the 2:02 mark of Round 1

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UFC on ESPN 31 video: Vince Morales becomes first to knock out Louis Smolka – MMA Junkie

Louis Smolka ’s streak of avoiding the knockout came to an end Saturday at UFC on ESPN 31 courtesy of Vince Morales . Morales (11-5 MMA, 3-3 UFC) scored a violent first-round finish of Smolka (17-8 MMA, 8-8 UFC) in their bantamweight matchup, which took place at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas. As Smolka tried to attack with knees in the clinch, Morales loaded up on a counter left hand that dropped him and put the lights out for the stoppage at the 2:02 mark of Round 1. Check out the replay below (via Twitter ): That's how you start the show! @Vandetta135 gets the finish in RD 1⃣! #UFCVegas44 pic.twitter.com/6asiBa5Qte — UFC (@ufc) December 5, 2021 'Vandetta' showing off that 135 power #UFCVegas44 pic.twitter.com/fKZS8YwUbp — UFC (@ufc) December 5, 2021 With back-to-back wins in the octagon for the first time, Morales said he wants a step up next time he enters the octagon.

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UFC on ESPN 31 video: Vince Morales becomes first to knock out Louis Smolka – MMA Junkie