Ryan Gandra details study that led to quick KO of Zachary Reese at UFC 329

Ryan Gandra delivered a dominant debut performance for the UFC, dispatching Zachary Reese with a first-round knockout in just over one minute at UFC 329.

Gandra (10-1), fighting in his second UFC outing, connected with a massive left hand to drop the 6'3" middleweight early. He followed with several ground strikes before referee Mike Beltran stepped in to stop the fight, though Reese protested what he felt was an early stoppage.

The Brazilian credited extensive film study and preparation for the decisive victory. "It felt automatic," Gandra said post-fight. "We did so much work. We studied him. We got ready for this fight as if it was the only thing to worry about in the world. I felt him small. I know he is a huge guy, but I felt him small. Why? Because it felt automatic. Because I knew him so well and I was ready for it."

Gandra has now finished eight of his ten career wins and has ended both his UFC fights inside the first round, with a combined octagon time of less than two minutes. His efficiency in the cage has made him one of the division's most impressive recent finishers.

For Reese, the loss extends his struggles; he is now on a two-fight losing streak and holds a 4-4 record in the UFC since his promotional debut in 2023.