‘Contract killer’ Mario Pinto wants anyone, despite ‘trash’ UFC debut

LAS VEGAS – Mario Pinto beat Austen Lane with a second-round knockout Saturday to close out the preliminary card at UFC Fight Night 253 at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas.

Take a look inside the fight with Pinto, who had a rough first round, but rallied for a bonus-winning knockout in his UFC debut.

Mario Pinto def. Austen Lane

Result: Mario Pinto def. Austen Lane via knockout (punch) – Round 2, 0:39
Updated records: Pinto (10-0 MMA, 1-0 UFC), Lane (13-6 MMA, 1-3 UFC)
Key stats: All six of Lane’s losses have been by knockout, including three of his past four in the UFC.

Mario Pinto def. Austen Lane, UFC Fight Night 253 (via UFC)

Pinto on the fight’s key moment

“I noticed in my last fight on (DWCS) that (Lucas Camacho) was nudging me with that chin in the air, so I knew that left hook was there, and then I got him with the right. A big guy like that coming forward is bringing a lot of weight behind him. When I throw the punch, it’s just a touch. But because he’s coming hard, it feels like he’s going into a wall. That’s what put him out.”

https://twitter.com/ufc/status/1895986525751689493

Pinto on disappointment with his win

“What I uttered (to myself after the win)? ‘Absolutely trash.’ But it’s all right. Trash is good. It’s not how I usually fight from my previous performances. But I had a bit of the jitters, he’s a heavyweight, everyone’s got power – so I just waited a bit too long. But I got the job done.”

Pinto on what he wants next

“I’m not hurt, but I do want some time. I just want some time to evolve, evaluate what went wrong. But I do want to stay active this year. It’s very important – slowly progress, brick by brick, and take these heavyweights out. Whoever. They put a contract forward, I have to sign it. We’re contract killers, so let’s go.”

To hear more from Pinto, check out the video of the full post-fight interview above.

For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC Fight Night 253.