Mick Parkin Gets The Knockouts Started Early In Manchester!

UFC 304 prelims just kicked off in Manchester (starting at 11pm local time) and undefeated heavyweight Mick Parkin has already made claim for one of tonight's $100k bonuses with his first round knockout of Lukasz Brzeski! He had the place on their feet going wild early!

Parkin was a heavy favorite (no pun intended) going into this fight, so this was definitely the expected result - but tonight was a big proving ground for him to deliver a big performance in front of a "hometown" crowd, and he did exactly that. He then gave a pretty funny post-fight interview with Daniel Cormier where I understood about 5% of what he said - but he was so jolly that doesn't even matter. I was just happy for the guy; and who knows, Parkin strings together a couple more of these knockouts and he could turn himself into the English Tai Tuivasa in no time!

Oh, and while writing this blog, Sam Patterson just easily dismantled Kiefer Crosbie and submitted him with the ease of an anaconda snapping a twig....

I like Crosbie so I wasn't thrilled to see that, but respect to Patterson for the flawless performance. I think he's pretty damn legit. 

Let's hope the first round finishes just keep rolling tonight - I'd love a couple for Meatball Molly and Paddy the Baddy later on!

Speaking of, here's our interviews with Molly and Interim Heavyweight Champ Tom Aspinall ahead of UFC 304 tonight....

….and here's our preview of the card for our picks….

P.S. Funniest moment of the night goes to Paddy Holohan….