UFC hopeful Top Noi Kiwram has admitted he smoked a cigarette minutes before and after his victory over Yuma Horiuchi.
Kiwram is hoping to make history by becoming the first fighter from Thailand to earn a contract with the promotion. He moved one step closer to his dream with a decision victory over Horiuchi last night to progress into the semi-finals of the Road to UFC in Singapore.
The 29-year-old later confirmed he smokes cigarettes every day but it has had no impact on his ambition of competing in the UFC. "For sure, I also do every day," Kiwram confirmed when asked if he had smoked before his bout. "Why not smoke cigarettes, why not do some bad things in your life? "Why do you care? Who cares? It makes no difference on the 20 or so years of my life. Now I will have a cigarette after this, yes after this press conference I will go and smoke a cigarette."
Kiwram put on a show for the fans in the arena as he danced during his walk to the octagon ahead of his clash with Horiuchi. He then took the first round of the contest after knocking down his opponent with some efficient early striking. He showboated during the opening five minutes, but was swiftly brought back to reality with Horiuchi completing a takedown in the second.
The Thai star was forced to bat away the imminent threat of a rear-naked choke throughout the second stanza, but showed defensive resilience with his cornerman George Hickman screaming orders. Kiwram was already celebrating before the final period, and sealed the deal with another scintillating striking display late on.
Do you think Top Noi Kiwram can go all the way and sign for the UFC? Let us know in the comments section below
Kiwram was awarded the decision unanimously with two 29-27 scorecards, and one 29-28 from the judges. Emotions were high after the final bell with Kiwram collapsing to his knees in excitement before breaking down in tears after reaching the next stage.
The Muay-Thai specialist extended his record to 8-3 as a professional despite having not competed since 2020 on promotion UAE Warriors. He was delighted with his victory and admitted he had huge amounts of fun competing in the octagon. "Every fight I try to use the same style I like having fun," He continued while breaking down in tears. "This is my dream. I believe in my striking and I am also good at blocking."
