UFC Noche: Daniil Donchenko Destroys Rodrigo Sezinando
Daniil Donchenko made a thunderous entrance into the UFC spotlight at UFC Noche 2025, obliterating Rodrigo Sezinando in the first round to win the welterweight finale of The Ultimate Fighter Season 33. The bout, which opened the preliminary card at UFC Fight Night 259 in San Antonio, Texas, was a violent coronation for the Ukrainian striker, who now holds a UFC contract and the TUF trophy after a flawless performance.
Opening Salvo: Elbows, Blood, and Brutality
The fight began with both men trading strikes aggressively, but Donchenko (12-2 MMA) quickly seized control. A slicing elbow opened a cut on Sezinando’s forehead, forcing the Brazilian into a desperate clinch. Donchenko broke free and continued the assault, landing a takedown midway through the round and punishing Sezinando with ground-and-pound.
With less than a minute remaining, Donchenko dropped Sezinando with a left hand and followed up with a barrage of unanswered strikes. Referee Mike Beltran stepped in to halt the carnage at 4:27 of Round 1, awarding Donchenko the TKO victory and the TUF 33 welterweight title.
Post-Fight Reaction: “Finally, I’m a UFC Fighter”
“Finally, after months and months and months, I can say officially I’m a UFC fighter,” Donchenko told reporters backstage. “It’s an amazing feeling. It’s time to make money.”
Donchenko, who trains out of Ukraine, joked about the power of his left hand: “Now I can’t fly back home. They won’t let me step in the airport because this is a dangerous weapon”.
Sezinando’s Collapse
Rodrigo Sezinando (8-2 MMA) entered the bout riding a six-fight win streak and had earned his spot in the finale with decision wins over Jeff Creighton and Diego Bianchini. But the Brazilian, who trains out of Lions MMA in Vancouver, had no answer for Donchenko’s speed, power, and precision. The loss marks his first defeat since 2021 and raises questions about his ability to handle elite-level pressure.
TUF 33: Team Cormier vs. Team Sonnen
The bout was originally scheduled for UFC 319 but was postponed due to an injury to Sezinando. Both fighters were teammates on Daniel Cormier’s squad during the TUF 33 season, which featured a stacked welterweight bracket. Donchenko’s path to the finale included a decision win over Richard Martins and a knockout of Matt Dixon in the semifinals.
Final Thoughts
Daniil Donchenko didn’t just win—he detonated. In under five minutes, he carved through Rodrigo Sezinando with elbows, takedowns, and ruthless ground-and-pound. With a UFC contract in hand and a highlight-reel finish to his name, Donchenko has arrived. The welterweight division just got a new problem.
For full fight highlights and video replay, visit Sherdog’s highlight reel and Sportsnet’s recap.
