Garbiel Gonzaga had seemingly fallen from grace, following his memorable jaw-dropping head kick defeat of the Croatian sensation Mirko “Cro Cop” Filipovic he has tough and go, during the remainder of his stay in the UFC he went 5-3 losing to any high-end challenger.
After almost eighteen months away from the octagon and a lone victory outside of the UFC he made his return with pundits counting him out against Junior Dos Santos’ training partner Ednaldo Oliveira who was unbeaten in his professional career with eight knockouts to his name.
After a few slow opening minutes Gonzaga slammed his fellow countrymen to the mat and after avoiding some knees of fury by the talented striker he leapt onto the back of his opponent and sunk in a rear-naked-choke that forced him to submit.
To the pleasure of everyone in attendance “Napao” Gonzaga made a great return making quick work of a hot prospect, unfortunately for us his chest hair came back with him.
Here’s what the combatants had to say post-fight.
GABRIEL GONZAGA:
“It felt great to be back in the Octagon. I showed that I still have my BJJ skills in there tonight. My time away from the UFC was good for me. I dealt with some personal business in my life and came back refocused. Before, I was training well, but my mind just wasn’t in it. Now, I’m back, I feel great. I’m focused and I showed that by beating a 13-0 fighter.”
EDNALDO OLIVEIRA:
“Part of me is sad and part of me is angry. I left an opening and Gabriel capitalized. I wanted to win badly and this is not a good feeling.”
