Mario Pinto demands respect for heavyweight division after UFC Paris win
The undefeated Portuguese fighter called for more respect for the heavyweight division after stopping Ryan Spann in the second round.
Mario Pinto remained undefeated at UFC Paris on Saturday, stopping Ryan Spann in the second round. With the victory, the Portuguese fighter is now riding a four-fight winning streak in the UFC, including three finishes. After securing another stoppage inside the Octagon, Pinto called for more respect for the heavyweight division.
Mario Pinto Calls for More Respect for Heavyweight Division
The fight started off evenly matched, with both fighters exchanging punches throughout the opening round. Spann found his rhythm earlier, though, landing a clean strike that badly shook Pinto. The Portuguese fighter took some heavy damage but showed great toughness to survive the round and fire back.
In the second round, Pinto didn't waste any time, putting heavy pressure on Spann and taking the fight to the canvas. Once on top, the undefeated heavyweight took total control, unleashing a barrage of punches and forcing the referee to step in just 55 seconds into the round.
Speaking to the UFC after the win, Pinto didn't just celebrate his latest victory. The Portuguese fighter also criticized the way the division is currently perceived and called for more respect for the heavyweight division.
"Heavyweights, big boys, we used to be called titans," Pinto said. "Now, we're made a mockery of, in this division. Bloody disgusting. We were once kings, monster amongst men. Give us some respect. The heavyweight division just got great again."
Mario Pinto Wants Another Fight After UFC Paris Win
Pinto entered UFC Paris with a 12-0 record and was coming off a unanimous decision win over Felipe Franco in March. With the victory over Spann, Pinto has now added another finish to his UFC record and made it clear that he wants another fight.
"I'm a winner and I like to dominate," Pinto said. "I got another finish. I went to decision last fight. I got a finish again. What's that? Four finishes now? But with the Dana White's Contender Series. That's the difference. It's all good. Even the last fight was unanimous decision ā€“ so that's some domination. [...] I don't know. Line them up. Pay me. I want to smash people up. I'll see how I feel. Next year."
