UFC finisher Damian Pinas: ‘They were counting me out’
· Yahoo Sports
Damian
Pinas believes his rapid rise in the
Ultimate Fighting Championship has changed how opponents and
fans view him.
Pinas returns to action on Oct. 3 at UFC 332 in Salt Lake City against Andrey Pulyaev. The middleweight prospect says he is treated differently after recording back-to-back finishes since earning a contract on Dana White’s Contender Series.
Pinas (10-1) has finished all 10 of his professional victories, including nine by knockout and one by submission. However, Pinas believes his recent UFC success has brought him increased recognition. Ahead of his fight at UFC 332, “The Baba Yaga” discussed how expectations have changed following his recent performances.
“Yeah, since my last fight, everybody gave me more respect, more recognition; they didn't count me out anymore because before that they were counting me out, now they put it on my name because I've been working hard to get so far in the year to the UFC… It's amazing,” Pinas said in a pre-fight interview.
Pinas also maintains there is more to his game than what he has shown in the UFC, although he plans to keep that part of his arsenal under wraps for now.
“Now, my grappling area… Nobody saw my grappling,” Pinas added. “Everybody thinks that I don't have grappling, but I keep it quiet… One day I will show you guys.”
Pinas returns to action on Oct. 3 at UFC 332 in Salt Lake City against Andrey Pulyaev. The middleweight prospect says he is treated differently after recording back-to-back finishes since earning a contract on Dana White’s Contender Series.
Damian Pinas says back-to-back UFC finishes changed how people view him
Pinas (10-1) has finished all 10 of his professional victories, including nine by knockout and one by submission. However, Pinas believes his recent UFC success has brought him increased recognition. Ahead of his fight at UFC 332, “The Baba Yaga” discussed how expectations have changed following his recent performances.
“Yeah, since my last fight, everybody gave me more respect, more recognition; they didn't count me out anymore because before that they were counting me out, now they put it on my name because I've been working hard to get so far in the year to the UFC… It's amazing,” Pinas said in a pre-fight interview.
Pinas also maintains there is more to his game than what he has shown in the UFC, although he plans to keep that part of his arsenal under wraps for now.
“Now, my grappling area… Nobody saw my grappling,” Pinas added. “Everybody thinks that I don't have grappling, but I keep it quiet… One day I will show you guys.”
“He will have nowhere to go.”
Damian Pinas is happy to see his hard work paying off and hopes to extend his first-round knockout streak in the UFC to three on October 3. #UFC332
Fight by Fight Preview ➡️: https://t.co/Sw9Lgv3uJ3pic.twitter.com/Gpi6WtSQg5— UFC News (@UFCNews) September 30, 2026
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