Kiwi pays tribute to fallen team-mate

Brad Riddell has dedicated the biggest victory of his UFC career to fallen teammate Fau Vake.

Riddell continued his unbeaten run in the world’s premier mixed martial arts promotion after winning a three-round war over 13th-ranked lightweight Drew Dober by unanimous decision in Arizona.

Facing a ranked opponent for the first time in the featured prelim bout of UFC 263, the Christchurch fighter survived a furious start and got better as the bout went on to come out on top of all three of the judges’ scorecards.

But as soon as his hand was raised Riddell’s thoughts turned to City

Kickboxing team-mate Vake, a promising mixed martial artist who died last month due to injuries suffered after an alleged attack while waiting for a taxi in central Auckland.

Four men charged over the incident appeared in the Auckland District Court on Tuesday, while one of the group has been charged with manslaughter.

‘‘My friend got murdered two weeks ago, so I was never going to lose this fight,’’ Riddell said. ‘‘I had a driving force that was bigger than me and I’m very, very grateful I still get to walk on this planet. The walkout song might have seemed a little bit weird but that was his walkout song.

‘‘That was my tribute to his family because unfortunately he’ll never get to make this walk, but I miss you Fau and I hope you’re proud.’’

It was a huge result for Riddell (10-1), who made it four from four since joining the UFC in 2019, with the result likely earning him a spot in the top-15 of the division.

With Riddell and Dober (23-11) highlevel strikers renowned for their actionpacked style, the matchup was expected to be a fight of the night contender. It didn’t disappoint as the pair each took home a US$50,000 ($70,000) bonus that comes with winning the award.

Apart from the takedowns, which Riddell won 5-1, it was an even contest. Dober rocked Riddell in the first round and by the second, the Kiwi was bleeding from his forehead and ridge of his nose.

However, on the back of a laser righthand, Riddell out-landed his opponent 113-78 and won the significant strike count 89-73, according to UFC stats.