'I thought he wasn't alive' - UFC star makes concerning admission after brutal slam knockout
The UFC's latest rising star has admitted that he was worried he'd killed his opponent with his viral knockout win.
Throughout the history of the UFC, several superstars have announced themselves with memorable debut performances such as Paddy Pimblett's incredible walkout and first-round knockout win back in September, 2021.
Last weekend, Sean King III appeared to do just that as he produced a brutal slam knockout to win his fight in just 36 seconds, but he's since admitted he had serious concerns about his opponent's health.
Sean King III admits he was worried opponent ‘wasn’t alive’ after Noche UFC slam KO
King, a 22-year-old unbeaten prospect, was set to compete on this season of Dana White's Contender Series but gambled on himself as he stepped in on short notice to face fellow UFC debutant Jessie Rosas at Noche UFC.
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Thankfully for King, this bet massively paid off as just 36 seconds into the fight he secured a knockout win over Rosas after picking his opponent up and slamming him onto the canvas before landing several controversial follow-up blows.
The knockout was so brutal, that King has since admitted that he decided to tone down his celebrations over fears that he'd actually killed Rosas.
“I was gonna hit it on the mic with ‘DC’, but I thought he wasn’t alive for a second. So we weren’t gonna say that,” King told MMA journalist Ariel Helwani on The Ariel Helwani Show.
“After I was all hyped, I was like, ‘Oh s***, he’s actually not moving.’
“Some people are giving me s*** on the internet for those three punches, but I’m in the moment, bro. It’s kill or be killed.
“Looking back, I’m like, damn, alright, he did not need those three (extra punches). But it is what it is.”
King had planned to taunt Rosas with the he and younger brother, and UFC star, Raul Rosas Jr's famous ‘chiwiwis’ catchphrase, but ultimately decided to keep things a bit more tame.
Thankfully, Rosas is now fine and will likely return to the octagon either later this year or sometime next year to try to bounce back from the brutal loss.
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Sean King III quits his day job thanks to viral UFC knockout
Meanwhile King has said he's looking to get another fight booked soon after picking up a $100,000 (£74,000) bonus following his 36-second win.
In total, the 22-year-old is believed to have made around £88,800 from the fight, an amount that's allowed him to quit his blue-collar job and fully pursue his UFC career.
“I work construction for my dad,” King told MMA Junkie.
“I don’t work full-time for my dad. It was only like three or four days throughout the week to keep money flowing in.
“My dad has been a number one supporter of me from day one. I only work half days, and I still go and train two to three times a day to chase this dream.
“But I can tell you what, with this $100,000, I ain’t going back to breaking my back, dog.
“That s*** is ruthless on your body, bro. Digging shovels, freaking digging holes, pouring concrete, bro.
“That stuff’s brutal. And then you’ve got to still go train two to three times after that.
“I’m very blessed to receive that, and it’s going to be put to good use. I’m not going to be an idiot with it.
“We’re here to collect another one.”
King now boasts a professional record of seven wins and zero losses.
Ben McCrum