Sometimes, you need to go out there and make a statement to remind the masses exactly who you are – and that’s what Andre Fili did against Kai Kamaka III on Saturday night in emphatic fashion.
Andre Fili produced a stunning head kick knockout to get through Kai Kamaka III and prove that he has a lot of gas left in the tank. Following the kick, Fili had the opportunity to land a few extra shots on the ground before the referee stepped in, but he opted not to do that.
It may not seem like a controversial move to avoid the extra shots, but a lot of fighters will just keep going until the referee pulls them off. For Andre Fili, though, that isn’t the right move, and he would much rather hold off.
Following the event, Andre Fili had the following to say about what went down in Vegas.
Andre Fili reflects on big return to form
“I say this all the time: I’m a criminal, but I’m not a piece of sh*t, you know what I mean?” Fili said. “I don’t litter. I treat people with respect. When I knock someone out, there’s no reason to land that extra shot. Like, he’s got kids, he’s got a wife. He’s got a future outside of fighting. It’s just not necessary, man. I hope he’s OK. I didn’t really even want to watch the replay back.
“You know, hurting people is part of the sport. I like being good at fighting. I like winning fights. I like getting paid to win fights. I like being on TV. Hurting people is a byproduct of that. It’s not a driving force for me. So yeah, I’m not going to land that extra shot.”
Quotes via MMA Junkie
For Fili, it’s all about going out there and putting on a show – and it will certainly be exciting to see what he can keep producing as he bids to continue his role as one of the mainstays of the Apex, which he said he absolutely loves during an appearance on the Ariel Helwani Show.
