Lourenco Reveals Cleveland's Fatal Flaw Before DWCS KO
This author receives a commission through recommended links in this content. See our affiliate disclosure.
Gabriel Lourenco knew the knockout was coming before he ever stepped into the cage with Charlie Cleveland.
Lourenco stopped Cleveland in the first round at Dana White's Contender Series Week 4 on Tuesday night, dropping his opponent with a right hand before finishing with ground strikes at 2:08 of the opening frame. The win earned the 26-year-old Brazilian a UFC contract, and he told Sherdog afterward that his Chute Boxe team had identified Cleveland's chin position as the key vulnerability during fight preparation.
🎟️ Get tickets: Buy tickets to Dana White's Contender Series, Season 10, Week 4 on Ticketmaster →
Lourenco Credits Coach For Pre-Fight Analysis
"We had been studying him throughout," Lourenco said in his post-fight interview. "Coach Luciano 'Mutante' is right here… We always knew his head was held high; we knew that at one point [my right hand] was gonna go in… Representing Luciano, representing Chute Boxe will be honor. I want more knockouts like this."
The Chute Boxe product had forecast a first-round finish before the bout and delivered exactly that against Cleveland, who fell to 6-2 with the loss. Lourenco improved to 8-1 with the knockout.
🎟️ Get tickets: Buy tickets to Dana White's Contender Series, Season 10, Week 4 on Ticketmaster →
Lourenco joins the UFC roster after four consecutive wins and will likely debut at heavyweight sometime in early 2027 once his contract is finalized.
Reported via:
- Sherdog — DWCS winner says he saw Charlie Cleveland knockout coming
Get Ringside Updates
Fight announcements, results, and analysis delivered to your inbox. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.