Matt Frevola KOs Drew Dober in first spherical for win in UFC 288

The “Steamrolla” flattened one other favored foe, and he’s received a high-profile goal in his sights.

With Mets proprietor Steve Cohen cageside to observe Mets fan and Long Island native Matt Frevola bust up and end off light-weight knockout artist Drew Dober within the featured prelim through first-round knockout to shut out the ESPN-aired portion of UFC 288 at Prudential Heart on Saturday night time.

“On my finest day, there’s no person on the earth that I can’t beat,” Frevola informed reporters after the win. “I consider in my expertise, I consider in my energy, and if I hit anyone clear, they might get knocked out.”

Frevola (11-3-1, seven finishes) battered the top-15 Dober principally from the skin, avoiding the 34-year-old’s infamous energy and passing the most important check of his profession and leaving Newark with a 3rd consecutive first-round (T)KO end.

The consequence snapped a streak of three consecutive knockout victories for Dober (26-12, 19 finishes).

The 32-year-old, who wanted simply 4:08 to be the primary to attain a knockout on the longtime UFC veteran Dober in 12 years, repeated within the cage the callout he has been making for months: He desires light-weight lightning rod Paddy Pimblett subsequent.

Although Frevola secured his first win off a ranked UFC opponent, he mentioned he has no drawback preventing down towards the likes of fellow up-and-comer Pimblett.

“Take a look at Drew Dober; he gave me the chance,” Frevola mentioned. “He didn’t should battle again within the rankings and try this. I believe that there’s a number of enjoyable, thrilling fights within the light-weight division within the UFC, not simply ranked guys.”

Minutes earlier than Frevola made his approach to the octagon to the tunes of Timmy Trumpet’s “Narco” ­— the music made well-known throughout Mets nearer Edwin Diaz’s superlative season a yr in the past — Cohen made his approach to his seat to understand the native Amazin’s fan’s athletic pursuits.

Frevola, who pulls for the Mets, Jets and Islanders, had tossed out the primary pitch on the April 28 sport at Citi Area and, whereas visiting the proprietor’s suite, invited the Cohens to his battle.

However Frevola mentioned he couldn’t discover Cohen, whom was put up on the in-arena screens to boos — presumably from a pro-Yankees crowd.

“I used to be wanting round for him. I didn’t see him,” mentioned the light-weight victor. “I’m simply so comfortable I used to be capable of present out for him.”