C.B. Dollaway downplays TKO, but wants to 'get to that contendership level'

NATAL, Brazil – C.B. Dollaway‘s UFC fights haven’t all been barnburners. But six years into his octagon career, he suddenly is forging a reputation as an exciting fighter.

On Sunday, he took a huge step toward that with an impressive KO of “The Ultimate Fighter: Brazil” winner Cezar Ferreira, whose early flurry was met by an explosive counter from “The Doberman.”

The middleweight bout co-headlined UFC Fight Night 38 at Ginasio Nelio Dias in Natal, Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil. It aired on FOX Sports 1 following prelims on FOX Sports 1 and UFC Fight Pass.

A right hand and short left hook stopped Ferreira (7-3 MMA, 3-1 UFC) cold as he swarmed after landing several hard punches in the bout’s opening minute. The fight was waved off at the 0:39 mark of the first round.

Asked by whether he is consciously trying to change his image, Dollaway (14-5 MMA, 8-5 UFC) downplayed his work.

“I’m just adding to my game,” said the 30-year-old fighter, who after his win dedicated the knockout to his wife. “That was the weakest part of my game. I always had a good ground game with the wrestling, and the next thing I worked on was my jiu-jitsu. The final piece is the standup game.”

But the performance was about more than technical mastery, at least according to Dollaway’s pre-fight remarks. Prior to the bout, he spoke to MMAjunkie about turning the corner to become the type of draw that brings bigger fights and bigger paydays.

A collegiate wrestler at Arizona State University, Dollaway’s wrestling distinguished him as a cast member of “The Ultimate Fighter 7,” and also showed craftiness with submissions.

But while he managed to beat several mid-tier opponents, he also was uneven against top-tier fighters and once suffered back-to-back losses.

“In this industry, you’ve got to be somebody that people want to watch,” he said. “They tell us all the time that going out and winning is not enough. Go out, and be exciting, and if something did happen where you were cut, if you’re a boring fighter, you’re never coming back. If you’re an exciting fight and people want to watch you fight, then you’re coming back.”

Dollaway is most certainly doing that as he gets back to the win column after a split-decision loss to Tim Boetsch in his most recent outing, which followed back-to-back wins over Jason Miller and Daniel Sarafian.

While none of the performance were particularly explosive, he is now reaping the rewards of his work in the gym. But his attitude might also be lending a hand.

“I believe the combination of striking and wrestling will be deadly,” Dollaway said.

Dollaway may need some time on the sidelines before he embarks on his next training camp. After the fight, he said he felt his hand swelling and thought he might be injured.

But he added that for the most part, he was healthy, which was a gift to his wife back home.

“I’ve had a tough three years, and I’ve hung around and stayed in there,” he said. “Now I feel this is the best me. I’m trying to get into that contendership level.”

For complete coverage of UFC Fight Night 38, stay tuned to the UFC Events section of the site.