Daniil Donchenko met the media Saturday after his win over Rodrigo Sezinando at UFC Fight Night 259.
Donchenko (12-2 MMA, 1-0 UFC) put Sezinando (8-2 MMA, 0-1 UFC) away with a first-round TKO at Frost bank Center in San Antonio, Texas, to win the Season 33 “Ultimate Fighter” title at welterweight.
Donchenko and Sezinando were supposed to fight in their “TUF 33” finale at UFC 319 in Chicago a month ago, but a Sezinando injury pushed the bout to Noche UFC. Donchenko said the extra wait was worth it.
“Finally, after months and months and months, I can say officially I’m a UFC fighter,” Donchenko said. “It’s an amazing feeling. It’s time to make money.”
Donchenko opened the show with a brutal finish and hoped it would be enough to get a $50,000 bonus. But 13 fights later, he was shut out of that prize, but thinks he’ll have more opportunities soon.
“(My left hand) is my weapon,” Donchenko said. “Now I can’t fly back home. They won’t let me step in the airport because this is a dangerous weapon. Probably, I’ll be locked here in San Antonio. Someone bring me some barbecue tonight.
“I think everyone will hold me on the ground (after this). Fck. That’s bullsht. maybe I should wrestle next time and (future opponents) will think, ‘Oh, better strike with him.’ But to be honest, I don’t care. I’m ready, and I’m pretty sure the UFC will give me good opponents and we’ll put on a good show.”
Check out Donchenko’s post-fight interview in the video below.
